Vv  Vc 


«SL    -V^fJ^cs 


£:SJ    ',« 

<r^<ffe? 


LIFE 

ft. 
RELIGIOUS  LABOURS 


PATIENCE  BRAYTON, 

LATE  OI<    SW  •, 

ll£  STATE  OF  MASSACHUS/ 


NEW-YORK,   ?:. 
LONDOXt 

R  C  P  R  I  N  T  E  D    AtC  D    SOLD    Zf  \V  I  I,  I    I 
O-XORGE-Y  ARD,  .LOMBA  !'.  U-.' 


A  TESTIMONY 


OF  SWANSEY  MONTHLY  MEETING,  IN  THE  COUNTY 
OF  BRISTOL,  AND  STATE  OF   MASSACHUSETTS, 

CON  CF.  R  N  IN  G 

PATIENCE  BRAYTON. 


our  eftecmed  friend,  PATIENCE 
J|_  BRAYTON,  was  born  at  North-Kingilon, 
State  of  Rhode-Ifland,  &c.  the  1 8th  of  nth 
month  1733*  of  parents  profefling  Truth,  David 
and  Mary  Greene;  and  as  (he  early  found  in 
herfelf  a  propenfity  to  folly,  diffipation,  and 
vanity,  fo  fhe  witnefled  the  Reprover  following 
her  by  powerful  convictions,  though  for  a  time 
fhe  withftood  them,  and  was  reluftant  in  yield- 
ing to  the  divine  Monitor,  which  expofed  her 
to  many  deep  connifts  and  temptations,  yet  fre- 
quent and  powerful  were  the  operations  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  on  her  mind;  whereby  a  willing- 
nefs  was  wrought  in  her  to  break  oft  from  her 
beloved  companions  in  vanity  and  mirth,  by 
yielding  obedience  to  the  Divine  Will,  although 
fhe  became  a  byword  and  derifion  of  thofe  her 
unprofitable  companions. 

About  the  twenty- firft  year  of  her  age  fhe  ap- 
peared in  public  teilimony,  -in  which  fhe  wit- 
nefled an  advancement  from  one  degree  of  faith 
and  experience  to  another.  In  the  year  1758 
flis  was  married  to  Prefer  vcd  Bray  ton,  a  mein- 

A    2 

« 


her  of  this  meeting,  in  tlie  attendance  of  vrhich, 
and  meetings  for  worfhip,  (lie  was  very  diligent 
when  ability  of  body  would  admit,  and  we  be- 
lieve lurmounted  many  difcouragements. 

A  remarkable  gravity  appeared  in  her  deport- 
•ment,  which  indicated  a  reverend  awe  to  cover 
her  mind,  efpecially  in  her  approaches  to  per- 
form divine  worfliip  in  our  aflemblies;  and 
whilil  flie  was  under  the  parental  ties  of  an  af- 
feftionate  mother,  Ihc  w.is  at  times  prevented 
from  getting  out,  and  at  fuch  times  as  well  as 
others,  file  manifefled  a  necefllty  for  heavenly 
bread,  by  calling  her  family  to  retirement  and 
quietude. 

She  was  one  of  thofe  who  were  exercifed  on 
account  of  the  flavery  of  the  Africans,  and  about 
the  middle  part  of  her  life  was  jointly  concerned 
with  her  hufband  in  fetting  thofe  they  held,  at 
liberty:  thus  being  ailifted  to  cleanfe  her  own 
hands  from  that  iniquity,  (he  became  qualified 
to  labour  with  her  brethern  and  fitters  on  the 
account  of  the  liberty  of  others,  which  in  time 
was  thoroughly  acconaplifhed  among  us.  Thus 
endeavouring  to  be  faithful  in  the  little,  fhe 
came  to  be  called  to  a  greater  field  of  labour. 

A  concern  prevailed  in  her  mind  for  fome 
time  to  vifit  Friends  in  the  Southern  govern- 
ments, wlrich  (lie  gave  up  to  perform;  and  hav- 
ing the-  concurrence  of  Friends  therein,  ihe  fet 
out  on  the  gth  of  5th  month,  1771.  Notwith- 
ftanding  her  exercife  was  great,  and  her  conflicts 
many  and  proving;  the  infant  date  of  her  family 


C    5    ) 

fceming  to  require  her  nurfing  attention,  with 
the  exercife  of  parting  with  a  beloved  weakly 
hufband,  cofl  painful  refitftions  on  her  mind, 
yet  that  arm  that  was  laid  bare  for  her  delivery 
from  her  early  captivity,  and  fuftained  her  hi- 
therto, was  pleated  again  to  pcrfeft  obedience  to 
his  rcquirings,  and  fupported  her  through  many 
hardihips  and  difcouragements  in  the  courfe  of 
this  journey.  In  her  abfence,  one  of  her  chil- 
dren was  taken  away  by  death,  and  another 
foon  after  her  return,  in  which  trial  fhe  mani- 
fefted  refignation  of  mind,  and  acknowledged 
the  Lord  giveth  and  the  Lor4  taketh  away, 
bleiTed  be  his  worthy  name. 

After  her  return,  being  abfent  from  home 
upwards  of  a  year,  fhe  vifited  Friend's  families 
through  this  monthly  meeting,  to  the  comfort 
of  the  living  amongffc  us,  and  flirring  up  of  the 
lukewarm,  and  was  inflrumentai  in  encouraging 
the  weak  and  diffident  traveller  to  perfevere  on  j 
her  concern  being  much  for  the  unity  of  the 
body.  She  continued  about  home  feveral  years, 
attending  this  and  the  neighbouring  meetings, 
and  once  pretty  generally  vifited  Friends  in  'the 
eaftern  quarter  of  New-England. 

She  had  a  concern  for  a  long  time  to  pay  a 
religious  vifit  to  Friends  in  Great-Britain  and 
Ireland;  and  in  the  year  1783,  having  the  con- 
currence of  her  brethren  and;  fitters,  (he  let  for- 
ward for  Philadelphia,  taking  meetings  on  the 
way  there  j  from  thence  embarked,  and  was 
favoured  to  arrive  fafe  in  Ireland j  after  fpend- 


(     6    ) 

ing  fome  time  in  vifiting  friends  there,  fhe  pro- 
ceeded to  England,  where  her  concern  moftly 
led,  and  vifited  nearly  all  the  meetings  of  Friends 
in  Great-Britain,  and  was  favoured  to  return  to 
her  family  and  friends  in  about  four  years,  with 
fatisfaftion  and  peace  in  her  own  bofom.  And 
at  her  return  from  this  and  other  virus,  pro- 
duced certificates  of  Friends  unity  and  good  fa- 
tisfaction  with  her  fervices  ainongft  them. 

After  her  return  from  Europe,  being  in  the 
decline  of  life,  was  much  about  home  attending 
her  own  and  adjacent  meetings.  In  the  year 
1793,  ^e  was  feized  with  a  paralytic  affection, 
at  intervals  of  which,  fhe  was  concerned  and 
afTifled  to  meet  with  us  at  our  meeting-houfe, 
though  much  weakened  in  body,  yet  fervent 
in  fpiiir,  and  appeared  to  be  renewedly  con- 
cerned for  the  poor,  often  adminiftering  to  their 
relief. 

She  was  one  that  was  diffident  of  herfdf  and 
her  performances,  and  oft  had  to  acknowledge 
her  own  unworthinefs,  and  as  fhe  laboured  to 
be  faithful,  her  endeavours  were  abundantly 
bleft  to  herfelf,  and  we  trufl  to  many  of  thofe 
among  whom  her  lot  was  calt,  particularly  the 
fick  and  affli&ed,  with  whom  her  mind  was  often 
baptized  in  near  fympathy,  and  favoured  with  a 
ienfe  of  their  flates ;  to  whom,  through  the  pre- 
cious influence  of  Truth,  fhe  was  enabled  to  ad- 
minifter  the  wine  and  the  oil  of  the  kingdom, 
to  the  refrefhing  and  confolating  of  their  fpirits. 

She  was  a  loving  wife,  a  tender  mother,  and 


(    7  J 

much  beloved  by  her  neighbours  and  acquaint- 
ance. "  And  having  kept  the  Word  of  his 
patience,  we  trull  ihe  hath  left  affliction  behind 
her."  She  was  feized  with  a  fit  of  the  like  kind 
as  heretofore,  and  manififted  a  fcnfe  of  her  ap- 
proaching diflblution;  with  calmnefs  and  com- 
pofurc  faid  fhe  was  ready,  and,  difcovering  her 
daughter  to  weep,  continued,  do  not  mourn  for 
me,  my  child,  for  it  will  be  well  with  me;  and 
having  been  aflifted  to  the  door  for  air,  fhe  faid 
to  thofe  about  her,  carry  and  lay  me  an  the  bed 
that  I  may  die  in  peace:  after  which  in  a  fliort 
lime,  fhe  quietly  departed  this  life,  the  3Oth  day 
of  the  /th  month  1794,  and  was  decently  buried 
the  ifl  of  the  8th  month,  in  Friends  burial- 
ground  at  Somerfot,  after  a  large  and  folemn 
meeting  of  Friends  and  others.  And  we  doubt 
not  but  flie  is  one  of  that  number  of  whom  it  is 
faid,  "  BlefTed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the 
Lord,  from  henceforth,  yea  faith  the  Spirit,  that 
they  may  reft  from  their  labours,  and  their 
works  do  follow  them.'*  Aged  upwards  of 
fixty  years,  and  a  minifter  about  forty  years. 

Signed  in  behalf  of  our  monthly  meeting  of 
men  and  women  Friends,  held  at  Somer- 
fet  for  Swanfey,  the  6th  of  the  4th  month 


DANIEL  BRAYTON,  7  r,    , 
MARY  EARL,  j  Clerks. 


A    SHORT    ACCOUNT 

OF     TUB 

LIFE  AND  RELIGIOUS  LABOURS 

OF 

PATIENCE  BRAYTON. 

CHAPTER    I. 

Her  vifit  to  Friends  in  the  Middle  and  Southern 
Provinces. 

jHlAVING  left  home  on  the  9th  day  of  the 
5th  month  .177 1,  to  visit  Friends  in  the  wefteni 
provinces;  on  the  iQth  of  6th  month,  with  my 
companion  Jane  Willis  from  Long-Hand,  I  croi- 
fed  the  river  Delaware  at  Corryel's  ferry  into 
Bucks  county,  and  the  2oth  we  went  nine  miles 
to  Plumftead,  and  had  a  fatisfaftory  meeting 
there,  as  allb  at  Buckingham  and  Wrightftown. 
In  the  following  week,  after  vifiting  a  fick  friend, 
and  not  finding  myfelf  clear  of  Buckingham 
meeting,  we  returned  on  the  23d,  being  firft- 
day,  and  were  at  their  meeting.  From  thence 
we  attended  Makefield  meeting  on  the  25th,  and 
were  again  at  a  meeting  at  Wrightftown,  and  a 
bleffcd  feafon  it  proved,  in  which  I  was  filent; 
alio  attended  meetings  at  the  Falls  ar.'d  Briftol* 


which,  though  trying  feafons,  it  pleafed  the  Fa- 
ther of  all  our  mercies  to  be  underneath  to  fuf- 
tain  me.  After  which  we  went  to  James  Thorn- 
ton's at  By-berry,  and  lodged,  and  were  at  meet- 
ing there  next  day;  and  in  the  afternoon  rode 
fifteen  miles  to  Philadelphia,  to  John  Pembcr- 
ton's,  and  were  kindly  received.  Here  I  expe- 
rienced a  diftreffing  feafon;  my  friends  per- 
ceived it,  and  were  concerned  to  ipeak  comfort- 
ably to  me.  The  3oth,  being  firft-day,  I  had 
an  exercifmg  meeting  in  the  morning,  but  my 
good  Mailer  fhewed  me,  that  I  ought  to  look 
round  the  city,  and  view  the  walls  thereof:  in 
the  afternoon  the  light  and  opening  of  divine 
.  favour  was  extended,  to  our  comfort,  and  at  the 
evening  meeting  the  Lord's  power  gained  the 
victory ;  may  all  be  afcribed  to  his  great  name, 
lit  of  7th  month  attended  the  feleft  meeting, 
and  a  favourable  time  it  was;  alfo  viiited  a 
friend  in  a  diilrelTed  ftate  of  mind..  Next  day 
were  at  the  Bank  meeting,  which  was  to  me  a 
good  meeting;  I  had  reafon  to  be  thankful  for 
all  the  mercies  that  the  Lord  had  beftowed  upon 
me.  On  the  4th  was  at  their  week-day  meet- 
ing, and  was  comforted  therein.  The  next  day 
attended  the  youth's  meeting,  which  was  a  good 
meeting,  and  many  lively  teftimonies  were 
borne;  but  I  thought  it  my  place  to  be  filenr. 
On  the  7th,  being  firft-day,  went  to  Frankfort, 
five  miles,  and  had  a  good  meeting;  after  which 
returning  to  Philadelphia,  went  to  the  evening 
meeting,  and  a  good  open  time  it  was;  I  had 


(  II  ) 

reafon  to  blefs  and  praife  my  God,  for  all  his 
favours.  After  which  we  had  a  fatisfactory 
meeting  at  Marion,  and  alfo  at  Haverford;  in 
the  evening  we  had  an  open  time  in  a  friend's 
family;  next  day  were  at  a  meeting  at  Newtown, 
which  was  a  good  feafon,  feeling  the  unity  one 
with  another.  We  alfo  had  a  good  open  time  at 
Middletown,  the  heavenly  power  arofe  over  all, 
which  made  my  heart  to  rejoice  in  the  Lord 
alone,  who  hath  made  good  all  his  promifes  to 
me.  On  the  1 2th,  were  at  Providence  meet- 
ing, which,  for  a  while  was  trying;  but  the 
Lord's  power  arofe  over  all;  to  him  be  the 
praife  who  is  worthy  of  all  honour  for  ever. 
The  next  day  fpent  at  Mordecai  Yarnal's,  where 
I  was  indifpofed  in  body,  but  kept  about,  and 
had  caufe  of  thankfulnefs  for  the  favour.  We 
had  next  day,  being  firft  of  the  week,  a  good 
meeting  at  Springfield,  may  the  Lord  have  the 
praife;  and  in  the  afternoon  were  at  a  large 
meeting  at  Derby,  which  was  a  good  fatisfac- 
tory  time.  On  the  i5th,  we  rode  fix  miles  to 
Philadelphia,  and  attended  the  feleft  meeting; 
thence  we  croffed  over  Delaware,  and  rode  fix 
miles  to  Haddonfield;  next  day  had  a  good 
meeting  there:  after  meeting,  we  vifited  Ifaac 
Andrews,  and  were  much  comforted  by  him,  he 
being  a  valuable  friend.  Next  day  we  went  to 
Chefter  meeting  held  at  Moore's-Town,  which 
•was  a  favoured  feafon,  and  I  thought  I  fhould 
be  content,  though  bread  and  water  \vere  my 
portion,  if  the  honour  of  God  might  be  in  do- 


minion.  We  then  went  to  Evefliam,  where 
\ve  had  a  favoured  meeting.  Oh !  that  my  Lord 
and  Matter,  may  have  the  praife  of  all  his  works, 
for  he  alone  is  worthy  of  all  praife;  might  and 
dominion  is  with  him  for  ever.  Thence  to 
Mount-Holly,  and  attending  meetings  fore  and 
afternoon,  the  latter  in  filence;  and  had  reafon 
to  blefs  my  Mafter,  (for  the  enjoyment  of  lilence 
was  iweet  to  me,)  in  that  he  gave  me  flrength 
to  know  how  to  be  abafed  and  how  to  abound. 
On  the  20th  we  rode  five  miles  to  Ancocus 
meeting,  and  a  remarkable  time  it  feemed  to 
be.  Next  day,  being  firil  of  the  week,  were  at 
meeting  at  Burlington,  where  we  had  the  com- 
pany of  Samuel  Neal,  from  Ireland.  In  the 
afternoon  meeting  I  was  filent,  and  in  the  even- 
ing vifited  feveral  friends.  We  next  attended 
meetings  at  Old  Springfield,  and  at  a  ichool- 
houfe.  Then  at  Upper-Springfield,  which  was 
a  good  meeting,  but  I  felt  great  poverty ;  may- 
it  be  an  encouragement  to  fome,  into  whofe 
hands  this  may  fall,  that  they  may  know  their 
fufficiency  is  of  God.  In  the  afternoon  we 
made  a  fatisfa&ory  vifit  to  a  fick  man,  and  re- 
turned to  Cleayton  Newbold's,  and  lodged. 
On  the  24th  rode  feven  miles  to. Upper  Free- 
hold, and  had  a  favoured  meeting;  after  which, 
we  rode  three  miles  to  Nathan  Wright's,  in 
whofe  family  we  had  a  fweet  opportunity.  We 
next  attended  meetings  at  Croffwicks,  and  a 
felcct  meeting  for  minifters  and  elders;  and  on 
the  26th  we  were  at  Mansfield,  where  the 


(  '3  ; 

Lord's  prcfence  was  witnciled  like  a  gentle 
fhower,  to  the  comforting  of  the  faithful  fol- 
lower of  truth;  may  the  praife  be  given  him. 
We  allb  had  a  meeting  the  fame  day  at  Dutch- 
neck,  and  the  next  day  at  Bordentown,  where 
\ve  vifited  John  Sykes  and  wife,  who  arc  very 
aged  and  valuable  Friends.  28th,  being  firffc 
day  of  the  week,  we  attended  two  meetings  at 
Trenton,  to  our  comfort,  and  next  day  one  at 
Stony-Brook:  here  I  parted  with  my  dear  com- 
panion Jane  Wiliis,  which  was  a  trying  circum- 
ftance  to  us  both,  from  the  mutual  love  we  felt 
for  one  another,  (he  returning  home. 

My  dear  friend  Rebecca  Wright,  wife  of 
Nathan  Wright,  accompanying  me,  we  croffed 
the  Delaware  again  into  Bucks  county,  and 
went  to  Wrigluftown,  where  we  lodged,  and 
taking  meetings  at  Horfhiun  and  North-wales, 
Richland,  Pottfgrove  and  Exeter,  came  to 
Maiden  Creek,  and  attended  two  meetings  there, 
on  the  4th  of  8th  month,  being  firft  day  of  the 
week,  \vhere  I  was  favoured  with  divine  open- 
ings, though  exceedingly  weak  in  my  fpirit,  but 
the  Lord's  power  went  over  all.  Thence  we 
went  over  the  Blue  Mountains  to  Bruntwick, 
and  had  a  meeting  in  a  barn,  and  was  favoured 
with  a  good  feafon.  On  the  yth  were  at  Read- 
ing; though  poor  in  my  fpirir,  yet  was  favoured 
\vith  divine  openings;  may  the  Lord  have  the 
praife.  On  the  8th  were  at  meeting  at  Robin- 
fon's,  and  a  hard  trying  time 'it  was,  but  I  had 
reafon  to  praife  my  God  for  my  poverty,  being 
B 


brought  to  know  my  ftrcngth  was  in  the  Lord 
alone. 

After  attending  Nantmill  meeting,  we  went 
to  Concord 'and  attended  the  feleft  quarterly 
meeting  on  feventh,  and  the  public  meeting 
there  on  firft-day.  Here  we  again  met  Samuel 
Neal  and  many  other  Friends,  and  on  the  1 2th 
attended  the  quarterly  meeting  at  Concord  for 
Cheftcr:  where  I  had  a  dcfire  in  my  mind,  that 
I  might  be  excnfed  that  day,  from  bearing  a 
part  in  the  miniilry,  but  my  Father  had  com- 
paffion  on  me, 'and  drew  me  in  tender  love,  that 
I  could  not  forbear,  finding  a  neceffity  to  give 
up  to  do  his  will:  and  bleffed  be  his  name,  we 
had  a  favoured  meeting.  Next  day  we  were 
at  the  youth's  meeting,  held  once  a  year  at 
Derby,  where  many  friends  from  Philadelphia 
came,  and  we  were  favoured  with  divine  open- 
ings at  that  time;  may  we  ever  look  to  the 
fountain  of  all  our  mercies.  Thence  going  to 
the  Valley  meeting,  we  had  a  precious  time, 
wherein  I  beheld  the  ftrength  that  is  in  weak- 
nefs:  at  Plymouth  and  New  Providence  we  had 
alfo  good  meetings.  On  the  1 7th  we  had  a 
trying  meeting  at  Pikeland;  but  the  power  or" 
the  Holy  One  arofe  and  gave  the  vi&ory :  after 
which,  we  went  home  with  Sufannah  Lightfoot, 
who  came  feveral  miles  to  meet  us;  taking 
meetings  at  Uwchland,  Gofhen,  Kennet,  Eaft 
and  Weil  Cain,  fomc  of  which  were  large  and 
much  favoured,  though  at  times  in  much  weak- 
nefs  of  fpirit,  in  which  divine  ftreiigth  was  often 


(     '5     > 

raanifefted;  may  the  Lord  have  the  praifc 
thereof.  On  the  2^d  we  were  at  Sadfbury 
meeting,  which  was  iilent,  and  I  felt  peace  of 
mind:  and  on  the  24th  attended  Lampeter 
meeting  where  it  feemed  to  me,  that  out  of  dark- 
nefs  there  arofe  a  marvellous  light,  and  we  were 
comforted  together;  blefTed  be  the  Lord.  On 
the  25th,  being  firft-day,  we  had  two  good 
meetings  at  Lancafter,  light  breaking  forth,  and 
a  comfortable  time  it  was;  but  oh!  how  had 
J  been  buried  in  forrow,  in  which  I  had  for  a 
time  to  travail. — Then  we  had  a  little  time 
wrth  m  in  liters  and  elders,  this  being  a  general 
meeting,  we  were  favoured  with  good  and 
wholefome  advice,  that  afforded  me  fome 
itrength;  blefled  be  the  name  of  the  Lord,  who 
permitteth  our  trials,  that  we  may  know  him 
to  be  our  Redeemer.  On  the  26th  were  at 
two  meetings  more,  which  were  favoured  op- 
portunities, and  excited  our  thankfulnefs  to 
the  Divine  Author  of  all  our  mercies. 

On  the  27th  we  left  Lancafler  and  rode  to 
Sufquehannah  River,  and  had  a  fraall  meeting 
at  a  Friend's  houfe,  which  was  a  good  oppor- 
tunity. Thence  to  Yorktown,  and  lodging  at 
William  Matthews's,  rode  fourteen  miles  next 
day  to  Newbury,  and  had  a  fatisfaclory  meet- 
ing; though  poor  in  my  fpirir,  yet  was  com- 
forted. After  riding  fix  miles  further,  had  a 
diftreffed  night,  pain  of  body,  and  a  fever;  but 
next  day  went  to  Warrington  meeting,  and 
though  I  was  weak  and  fearful  that  I  could  not 
B  2 


-  it,  yet  mv  gracious  Matter  gave  me 
Strength  in  my  weaknefs  of  body  and  mind,  and 
\ve  had  a  bleiicd  meeting:  1  was  neither  weary 
nor  faint;  may  the  Lord  have  the  praiie!  How 
he  Supports  the  poor  travellers,  and  enables 
them  to  fubm.it  to  his  holy  will,  to  be  made 
willing  even  to  die  where  he  may  be  pleafed  to 
lay  us! — Afternoon  riding  feven  miles  to  John 
Grill's,  I  was  almoft  funk  in  my  mind;  but 
going  to  bed  I  was  favoured  with  a  good  night's 
reft,  for  which  I  was  thankful;  and  in  the  morn- 
ing, finding  myfelf  too  unwell  to  purfue  my 
journey,  and  being  delirous  of  returning  to 
Yorktown,  my  friends  provided  me  a  waggon, 
and  putting -in  a  bed,  took  me  eighteen  miles 
to  William  Matthews's,  and  that  night  I  had  a 
hard  fit  of  the  fever  and  ague;  but  my  friends 
were  very  kind  to  me:: — I  thought  before  this, 
that  I  had  parted  with  all  I  had  for  the  fake  of 
my  dear  Matter,  but  now  I  began  to  think  that 
I  had  not,  for  the  thoughts  of  my  hufband  and 
children  came  fo  near  me,  that  it  was  another 
trial ;  fuch  feafons  are  permitted  to  prove  us, 
if  we  have  parted  with  all  or  not,  which  we 
cannot  tell  before  we  are  tried.  311%  being 
fevemh-day  of  the  week,  I  was  very  poorly, 
and  on  the  ift  of  pth  month  had  a  very  lick 
and  diitrefied  day.  The  2d,  felt  more  com- 
fortable, but  fo  weak  that  I  could  fit  up  but 
little;  but  having  a  good  night's  reft,  the 
next  day  1  felt  better.  We  tarried  at  William 
Matthews's  until  fix th-d ay,  when  we  rode  back 


(    17    ) 

to  John  Grift's,  xvhere  I  was  concerned  to  have  a 
little  time  in  the  family,  wherein  I  found  peace. 
The  yth  we  went  to  meeting  at  Huntingdon, 
where  I  was  favoured  in  teftimony,  though  I 
was  fo  weak  that  I  thought  I  fhould  have  faint- 
ed, and  muft  have  fat  down;  but  flrength  \vas 
given  me,  and  I  was  enabled  to  blefs  the  good 
hand  that  was  with  me. — The  Lord  is  ftrength 
in  weaknefs,  he  will  fuftain  his  depending  chil- 
dren; but  oh!  I  tremble  for  fear  I  fhould  not 
be  found  faithful  in  his  great  caufe ;  we  have 
need  of  the  prayers  of  the  faithful,  that  we  may 
not  mifs  of  the  prize  at  laft.  The  8th  we  were 
at  meeting  at  Monallin,  and  a  favoured  time  we 
had  there,  through  the  mercy  of  God:  I  can- 
not fpeak  fufficiently  of  his  bounties,  oh!  that 
my  fpirit  may  bow  down  and  exalt  his  great 
name !  After  meeting  we  rode  back  three  miles 
to  William  Delap's,  who.  with  our  other  guide, 
after  dinner,  rode  with  us  twenty-three  miles 
that  night  to  William  Matthews's. 

The  Lord  alone  can  preferve  me,  who  is 
pleafed  to  beftow  his  favours  upon  me,  renew- 
ing my  ftrength,  in  confirming  his  promifes  to- 
me j  my  cup  runs  over  with  the  Lord's  goodnefs. 
It  was  hard  to.  give  up  to  go  back  into  the 
country  again,  after  my  illnefs;  but  I  was 
brought  to  refign  to  his  will,  in  which  I  rejoice^ 
that  he  made  me  willing  to  gp  on  his  errand; 
if  I  had  not  gone,  I  fhould  have  been  doing  my 
own  will,  and  not  my  heavenly  Matter's ;  I  long 
to  do  his  will,  and  not  my  own,.  On  the 


went  with  fome Friends  to  vifit  the  prifoners  In 
Yorktown,  and  had  a  favourable  time  in  the  pri- 
fon ;  the  Lord  helpeth  me  to  be  faithful  in  fub- 
mitting  to  the  crofs  ;  my  nature  was  difpofed  to 
flinch ;  but  I  can  fay,  that  the  Lord  will  not  leave 
his  children,  until  he  enables  them  to  be  faithful, 
if  they  only  yield  obedience  to  his  requiring!?. 
Returning  to  our  lodgings  I  felt  much  heavi- 
nefs  of  heart,  exciting  an  enquiry  what  I  had 
done  to  occafionit;  yet  deiires  were  preferved, 
that  the  Lord  would  make  m«  contented  wher- 
ever my  lot  might  be  cafl. 

The  icth  attended  meeting  at  Yorktown  to 
fatisfaftion,  then  returned  again  to  William 
Matthews's.  i  ith,  we  rode  to  Wright's  Ferry, 
and  croffing  the  Sufquehannah  River,  rode 
twelve  miles,  and  next  day  fifteen  further,  to 
Sadlbury  meeting  again,  which  was  a  highly 
favoured  time;  oh!  that  the  Lord  may  ever  be 
obeyed,  for  then  we  ftiall  receive  the  wages  of 
peace.  On  the  131!!,  we  were  at  a  monthly 
jneeting  at  Kennet,  where  the  faithful  were 
comforted  in  a  good  degree ;  here  was  an  an- 
cient Friend  who  was  ninety-four  years  of  age, 
and  had  walked  two  miles  to  meeting  that  day; 
her  name  was  Deborah  Clark.  After  d'rntier 
\?e  rode' to  Thomas  Carlton's  and  lodged,  and 
next  day  he  accompanied  us  five  miles  to  Okeiin, 
where  I  may  fay,  I  was  favoured  with  divine 
affiftance.  After  vifuing  a  fick  friend  about 
two  miles  from  thence,  we  went  to  Ifaac 
)ackfon's  andlodged.  Next  day  being  1 6th, and 


(     '9     ) 

feventh  of  the  week,  towards  night  we  went  to 
jofhua  Pufey's,  where  I  was  in  much  diftrefsj 
which  brought  me  to  look  into  my  own  heart, 
to  fee  if  I  had  not  come  in  my  own  will  and 
ftrength,  that  I  could  not  be  more  contented; 
but  it  pleafed  the  Lord  to  bring  to  my  mind 
what  wonders  he  had  wrought  Tor  me  ;  why 
fhould  I  defpair,  for  I  was  moiliy  concerned  at 
prefent,  that  I  ihould  never  fee  my  home  again: 
for  my  great  Lord  and  Mafter  had  given  me 
fome  encouragement  thereof  before  1  left  my 
home,  but  I  thought  I  might  be  miftaken,  which 
caufed  my  mind  to  overflow  with  for  row;  but 
I  was  brought  to  fee  that  his  arm  was  made 
bare  for  my  flay  and  comfort ;  and  I  was  en- 
abled to  fay,  bleffed  be  his  holy  name  for  ever. 
We  went  to  bed,  and  my  mind  was  brought 
into  a  dependance  upon  the  Lord  alone,  and 
the  winds  and  leas  were  hid,  and  I  felt  thank- 
fulnefs  to  Almighty  God.  I  hope  this  may 
prove  a  comfort  to  fonie  poor  travelling  foul, 
to  know  that  other  feet  have  trod  this  diitrefTed 
path,  that  brings  to  peace,  for  through 'judg- 
ments we  are  brought  to  be  redeemed  from  the 
world  and  all  the  enjoyments  thereof.  On  the 
17th  we  were  at  the  Grove  meeting,  where  the 
overflowings  of  the  divine  love  was  known,  to- 
the  fupport  and  refrefhment  of  us  all.  Next 
day  attended  Bradford  meeting,  which  was 
large,  and  we  were  favoured  therein;  though 
many  hard  things  were  delivered,  yet  the  divine 
hand  was  near  and  iupported  me,  I  was  unwell 


C   *»   ) 

while  here,  and  became  much  difconraged,  left 
I  fhoukl  not  be  able  to  go  through  this  journey; 
but  being  encouraged  by  fome  of  my  friends, 
and  the  goodnefs  of  God  being  gracioufly  af- 
forded, it  looked  as  nothing  before  me,  bleiTed 
be  his  holy  name.  On  the  i  gth  we  went  to 
Birmingham  meeting,  where  it  pleafed  Divine 
Goodnefs  to  open  of  his  myfleries;  may  my 
heart  ever  be  thankful  to  him,  who  opens  the 
fprings  in  the  wildernefs.  We  went  after  meet- 
ing to  Charles  Dil worth's,  and  I  being  much 
fpent,  laid  down  and  was  revived  again,  and  we 
had  a  favoured  time  in  the  family.  We  then 
rode  three  miles  to  Micajah  Speekman's  and 
lodged.  Next  day  we  went  to  Concord  meet- 
ing, which  "was  to  me  a  good  one,  and  being 
favoured  to  have  the  love  of  my  brethern,  it 
was  a  great  comfort  to  me,  in  my  trying  jour- 
ney: this  was  a  blciling  I  have  often  prayed  for,, 
from  my  great  Lord  and  Revvarder  of  all  thofe 
who  diligently  feek  him,  who  can  fay  they 
fought  it  not  in  vain.  We  then  went  -to  Phi- 
ladelpiha  to  attend  the  yearly  meeting  which 
began  the  2  ift,  for  minifters  and  elders,  and  was 
a  bleffed  meeting.  On  firfl-day  I  attended 
meeting  in  the  fore  and  afternoon,  alfo  in  the 
evening,  which  were  moflly  favoured  feafons, 
as  were  the  feveral  fittings  of  the  yearly  meet- 
ing, all  which  I  was  favoured  to  attend,  much 
to  my  comfort  and  encouragement. 

Having  been  confined  feveral  days  in  Phila- 
delphia with  a  bad  cold,  until  fecond-day, 


of  9 t.h  month,  I  then  attended  the  felect  meeting, 
where  we  were  comforted  together,  and  on  the 
i ft  of  loth  month  my  efleemed  friend  Hannah 
Fofter  from  New-Jerfey,  accompanying  me,  we 
left  Philadelphia,  and  taking  Cheder  meeting, 
\ve  were  favoured  with  divine  ailiftance  therein, 
and  came  to  Wilmington  and  lodged  at  David 
Ferris's,  who  was  gone  to  New-England  with 
Samuel  Neal,  on  a  religious  vifit;  but  oh!  the 
dilcouragement  I  was  under  at  times,  which 
made  me  cry  in  my  heart  to  God,  that  he  would 
ftrengthen  me,  more  and  more  to  give  up  to  his 
will:  I  was  low  in  bodily  health,  and  my  fpirits 
feemed  to  fink  within  me,  notwithstanding  I 
have  been  ftrengthened  day  by  day;  I  have 
reafon  to  blefs-  my  God,  and  fay  in  truth  it  is 
marvellous,  he  is  the  Lord  and  will  do  all  things 
for. them  that  put  their  truft  in  him;  he  weans 
from  hulband  and  children,  houfe  and  land, 
for  his  name's  fake,  and  thefe  (hall  receive  an 
hundred  fold:  nothing  lefs  than  the  love  of 
God  and  his  peace  in  our  minds,  enables  us  to 
fubrnit;  and  when  I  behold  the  goodnefs  of  the 
Almighty,  I  am  encouraged  to  invite  all  to  come, 
tafte,  and  fee  how  good  the  Lord  is.  On  the 
4th  we  went  to  John  Churchman's  at  Notting- 
ham, and  attended  monthly  meeting;  and  the 
fixth  and  feventh  days  following,  the  yearjy 
meeting,  which  was  to  our  comfort.  On  the' 
8th  of  icth  month  we  rode  eighteen  miles  to 
the  houfe  of  one,  not  belonging  to  Friends,  and 
many  people  cominga  I  was  comforted  in  an 


opportunity  with  them,  and  thought  the  Lord 
heard  my  prayers,  and  I  hope  it  will  prove  of 
fervice  to  ibme  of  the  company.  Taking  Saf- 
lafras  meeting,  came  to  the  meeting  of  minifters 
and  elders  at  Cecil;  but  fo  poor  I  felt,  that  oh! 
thought  I,  if  my  Mafter  would  only  let  me  re- 
turn home,  pleading  that  there  were  many  bet- 
ter qualified  for  that  work  than  I  was,  for  I 
feared  I  fhould  difhonour  God,  and  bring  grief 
on  all  my  friends;  but  in  this  trial  1  endea- 
voured after  flillnefs,  and  was  inwardly  com- 
forted, and  brought  to  lay  as  Peter  did,  "  not 
only  wafli  my  feet,  but  my  hands  and  my  head 
allo."  Next  day,  being  firit  of  the  week,  we 
went  to  meeting  again,  which  was  a  good  meet- 
ing, and  the  day  following  light  broke  forth  in 
the  meeting,  in  a  wonderful  manner,  to  our 
comfort.  On  third-day,  the  1 5th,  we  attended 
the  felect  meeting,  and  I  was  filent  until  the 
men  withdrew,  and  the  women's  meeting  came 
on;  then  my  mouth  was  opened,  and  it  pleafed 
the  Lord  dill  to  caufe  the  light  more  and  more 
to  break  forth.  Oh!  how  I  felt  the  love  of 
God  to  this  people,  if  they  would  be  faithful  to 
what  is  made  known  to  them. 

In  our  way  to  the  yearly  meeting  at  Chop- 
tank,  we  took  meetings  at  Chefter  in  Maryland, 
Queen  Ann,  and  Tuckahoe,  and  on  the  19th, 
the  meeting  began  at  Ghoptank,  where  I  met 
with  Benjamin  Sharplefs  of  Philadelphia,  who 
had  fhcwn  me  much  kindnefs:  the  meetings 
were  large,  and  fome  good  teitimonies  were 


(     '3     ) 

borne;  but  my  lot  was  moftly  in  differing  and 
opgrellion:  at  the  conclufion  0f  the  bufmefs, 
the  men's  and  women's  meetings  being  re- 
quefted  to  come  together,  the  labours  of  John 
Churchman  and  Thomas  Carlton  were  reviv- 
ing, and  the  meeting  broke  up  in  a  folid  man- 
ner: then  the  meeting  for  minifters  and  elders 
flit,  which  ended  this  meeting  well,  and  made 
my  heart  rejoice,  for  I  had  Ibmc  fears  left  it 
ftiould  not  be  performed  to  the  honour  of  God ; 
how  often  does  he  crown  our  aflemblies  to  his 
own  honour.  At  times,  when  I  view  the  fer- 
vice  I  am  engaged  in,  my  heart  is  heavy  and 
even  finks  within  me.  The  24th,  we  went  to 
the  bay,  twenty  miles  from  Choptank ;  it  was 
a  heavy  day,  but  my  friends  endeavoured  to 
comfort  me.  On  the  25th,  we  croffed  the 
great  bay  of  Chefapeak  which  made  us  fick, 
Robert  Pleafants  of  Virginia  was  with  us;  we 
landed  at  Thomas  Norris's,  where  we  were 
received  kindly,  and  after  dinner  croiTed  the 
river  in  a  little  row-boat  and  landed  at  Hannah 
Thomas's,  a  widow,  wherein  I  had  reafon  to  be 
thankful  to  the  Lord  for  his  many  favours;  but 
my  fpirit  was  much  opprefled,  perhaps  on-  my 
own  account. 

On  firft  day  of  the  week  we  attended  meeting 
at  Weft  River,  which  was  a  trying  time;  but 
it  pleafed  the  Lord  to  caufe  his  love  to  be  felr. 
We  went  from  thence  about  thirteen  miles,  and 
had  a  meeting,  wherein  the  love  of  God  feemed 
to  own  us :  we  then  took  our  leave  of  Patuxent 


river,  and  rode  twelve   miles   to   the  head  of 
"White -Hall;  and   on  the  291!!  went  to  Indian 
Spring,  where  fuch  were  my  excrcifes   that  I 
was  ready  to   fay,  "  Oh  that  mine  head  was 
water  and  mine  eyes  a  fountain  of  tears,"  that 
.  I  might  mourn  for  myfelf,  feeing  none  of  the 
Lord's  fervants   fo  wanting  as  I  was;  but   it 
pleafed  the  Father  of  all   our  mercies  to  own 
us,  and  it  proved  a  good  time.     We  then  went 
to   the  houfe  of  an  aged  widow  woman,  who 
appearing  in  coftly  attire,  and  feeing  her  poor 
black  fervants    about  her,    caufed    me   many 
fcrious    reflections.     Here   we  took  leave    of 
Robert  Pleafants,who  had  been  with  us  almoft  a 
week.     Thence    we    rode  eleven    miles    to  a 
friend's  houfe,  where,  alrhough  they  were  very 
kind  to  us,  I  was  much  grieved  to  fee  their  p6or 
black  fervants  fare  fo  hard.     The-  3oth  we  rode 
two  miles  and  had  a  meeting,  which  though  a 
low  time  to  both  myfelf  and  companion,  yet  it 
pleafed  the  Lord  to  open  a  door  of  light,  fo  far, 
that  we  were  enabled  to  open  our  mouths,  and 
foine  of  the  people  feemed  to  be  affected;  oh! 
that  God  may  always  have  the  praife,  for  I  had 
no  other  to  put  my  trull  in,  and  being  a  ftranger 
in  thefe  parts,  my  mind  was  led  into  fympathy 
with  my  fellow    travellers,  for  what  they  often 
have  to  pafs  through.     On  the  3ift  we  had  a 
meeting    at  Elkridge,    nineteen    miles,  which 
proved  a  comfortable  time,  wherein  I  had  rea- 
fon  to  bow  my  fpirit  to  the  God  of  all  our  mer- 
cies, who  was  pleafed  to  own  fo  poor  a  child  as 


c  *5  ; 

I  was;  my  voice  was  lifted  up  to  fupplicate  his 
name,  in  that  he  had  not  forgotten  his  children, 
who  are  often  panting  for  his  favour. 

After  which  we  went  to  Baltimore,  and  the 
id  of  nth  month  rode  fixteen  miles  to  a  meet- 
ing of  miniders  and  elders,  wherein  fome  good 
tedimonies  were  borne,  with  which  I  had  good 
unity.  On  the  ad,  we  went  to  Gunpowder 
meeting,  and  although  the  dragon  laboured  to 
dedroy  the  young  child,  yet  it  pleafed  the  Lord 
to  caufe  his  light  and  power  to  break  through 
all,  and  a  bleffed  meeting  it  proved,  wherein 
\ve'had  reafon  to  blefs  the  name  of  the  great 
Lord  and  Mailer  of  aiTemblies:  I  felt  my  fpirit 
helped  in  this  conflict  with  the  enemy,  by  a 
worthy  Friend.,  Ann  Moore.  Though  we  may 
praife  the  Lord  for  his  eminent  goodnefs ;  yet 
I  hardly  dare  rejoice,  feeing  the  battle  is  his, 
and  may  my  foul  ever  remember  humbly  to  ac- 
knowledge, that  he  is  all  in  all  to  his  depend- 
ing children.  In  the  evening  we  had  a  comfort- 
able time  in  the^  family  of  our  friend  Oliver 
Matthews,  where"  we  lodged.  The  3d,  being 
firft  of  the  week,  we  went  again  to  Gunpowder 
meeting,  and  it  pleafed  the  Lord  to  open  the 
fprings  of  life,  and  favour  us  with  his  prefence; 
but  fatan  endeavoured  to  fugged  to  me,  that  I 
had  wounded  my  brethren,  and  I  grieved  in 
fpirit  until  it  pleafed  the  Father  of  mercies  to 
arife,  and  gave  ftrength  to  fay,  let  all  things 
praife  the  Lord ;  let  fun,  moon,  and  dars,  praife 
the  Lord,  for  his  mercy  cndureth  forever. 
c 


(       26       ) 

Next  day  had  a  precious  meeting  at  Patapfco, 
wherein  I  was  thankful  to  the  Lord :  on 
our  journey  in  the  afternoon,  \ve  were  fomc 
time  loft  in  the  woods;  but  finding  a  houfe  in 
the  field,  a  man  was  fent  to  fliow  us  the  way 
to  Benkid  Wilfon's;  it  being  night,  I  appre- 
hended we  fhould  have  to  lodge  in  the  woods 
this  'night;  but  I  enjoyed  more  peace  of  mind 
upon  that  reflexion,  than  1  fhould  in  fome  houfes 
that  were  filled  with  flaves,  for  it  wounds  me 
more  than  many  other  evils,  to  fee  them  keep 
a  large  number  of  them  in  bondage,  making 
them  work  hard,  and  paying  them  no  wages — 
Oh !  the  cruelty  thefe  poor  creatures  are  ufed 
with,  often  excites  my  companion. 

On  the  5th,  we  went  feven  miles  to  meeting 
at  Little  Falls,  where  mod  pref:nt  had  flaves,and 
darknefs  feemed  to  cover  the  whole  meeting 
for  a  time,  my  companion  fitting  under  the  fame 
weight  and  feeling  fenfe  of  Egyptian  darknefs 
with  myfelf ;  at  lafl  it  pleafed  the  great  Lord  and 
Matter  to  open  her  mouth  in  a  few  words, 
which  opened  a  door  for  my  exercifed  mind, 
in  the  love  of  the  Gofpel,  to  labour  with  my 
fellow-creatures,  and  efpecially  \?ith  my  breth- 
ren in  profeflion,  that  had  fome  enlightenings 
of  the  work  of  God,  and  my  companion  con- 
cluded the  meeting  in  powerful  fuppiication. 
After  dinner,  we  rode  eight  miles  to  Ifaac 
Webfter's  and  lodged ;  after  I  retired  to  bed  my 
mind  was  turned  to  the  Lord  in  heavenly 
fxveetnefs,  and  all  on  earth  \vas  drawn  out  of 


r  27  ) 

fight,  and  there  was  nothing  interrupted  this 
precious  favour  for  a  time,  and  my  companion 
being  engaged  in  conversation  with  a  friend, 
my  filence  was  fo  fweet,  I  chofe  rather  to  enjoy 
that  fpring  that  makes  glad  the  whole  city  of 
God. 

On  the  1 6th,  we  rode  one  mile  to  Bufh  River, 
where  my  companion  bore  a  fwcet  teilimony, 
and  I  was  filent:  after  meeting,  dining  in  a 
friend's  houfe,  we  had  an  opportunity  in  the 
family,  and  though  it  was  a1  trying  time  to  me, 
my  companion  was  favoured  in  fupplication. 
We  then  rode  feven  miles  to  William  Cox's 
and  lodged.  On  the  yth  we  went  to  Deer 
Creek  meeting ;  afternoon  being  overtaken  by 
a  dorm,  as  we  rode  in  the  rain,  I  thought  if  I 
brought  no  difhonour  to  God  and  his  truth, 
there  was  no  hardfhip  but  what  I  could  endure 
in  the  rain  and  the  darknefs  of  the  night;  we 
at  length  reached  a  Friend's  houfe;  but  oh! 
the  black  people,  how  does  their  flavery  wound 
my  fpirit  within  me.— Oh!  that  people  were 
wife,  that  they  would  confider  their  latter  end. 
Next  day  being  a  hard  rain  florm,  we  rode 
three  miles  to  a  little  meeting  at  Deer  Creek 
Barrens;  the  people  were  glad  to  fee  us,  and  I 
felt  comforted  in  being  with  them.  Thence  we 
went  in  a  fnow  ftorm  over  the  fteep  mountain, 
and  pafled  two  rivers,  where  our  horfes  almoft 
fwam ;  we  had  reafon  to  believe  the  Almighty 
hand  was  with  us  and  fupported  us ;  we  lodged 
at  William  Smith's,  who  was  not  a  Friend,  he 

C    2 


received  us  very  kindly,  and  in  the  morning, 
on  our  offering  to  pay  for  our  kind  entertain- 
ment, he  refufed,  and  defired  if  we  travelled 
any  where  near  him  again,  not  to  raifs  his  houfe ; 
I  acknowledged  his  kindnefs.  We  rode  on  to 
Gunpowder  and  lodged  at  Walter  Moore's, 
\vho  is  hufband  to  Ann  Moore;  and  on  firft- 
day  the  loth,  attended  meeting,  wherein  I  felt 
the  love  of  God  towards  the  people,  which 
iprung  up  and  ipread  itfelf  in  my  heart  to  that 
degree,  that  I  was  humbled  under  the  confi- 
deraiion  of  his  enabling  me  to  become  as  a 
founding  trumpet  in  his  hand,  who  trieth  the 
heart  and  reins  of  his  children,  who  fuffers  them 
to  be  caft  down,  and  raifes  them  up  again,  that 
they  may  know  his  flrength  and  power,  and 
return  honour  to  his  name,  who  is  worthy  of 
all  praife,  might  and  dominion  for  ever. 

After  this,  we  continued  our  journey,  taking 
meetings  at  Patapfco,  Forreil,  and  Bum  Creek, 
and  one  at  a  Friend's  houfe,  to  good  faiisfac- 
tion;  and  on  firft-day  the  i;th,  were  at  meet- 
ing at  Fairfax,  where  divine  goodnefs  fpread 
over  the  afiembly  to  our  comfort.  The  next 
day  we  croffed  the  Potomack  river,  and  had  a 
precious  meeting  at  the  Gap,  and  another  at 
Goofe  Creek,  wherein  the  fprings  of  life  wrere 
gracioufly  opened,  and  the  divine  power  fhook 
the  earthly  minds,  and  my  dear  companion 
clofed  the  meeting  in  fupplication,  to  our  mu- 
tual comfort.  Then  tajdng  meetings  at  South 
Fork,  Crooked  Run,  accompanied  by  John 


Hough,  we  came  to  Elizabeth  JolliiFs,  where 
I  received  a  letter  from  my  dear  huiband,  giv- 
ing an  account  of  the  death  of  one  of  our  chil- 
dren, alfo  one  from  John  Pemberton,  which- 
was  a  comfort  to  me  in  my  trial.  On  the 
24th,  being  firft  of  the  week,  we  had  a  good 
meeting  at  Hopewell.  Next  day  we  parted 
with  John  Hough,  who  had  been  very  kind 
to  us,  and  went  to  Mill  Creek  meeting,  where 
we  were  favoured  with  a  good  time,  for  I 
thought  the  good  hand  was  at  work  with  the 
people,  and  I  do  wiflvtheir  minds  may  be  drawn. 
to  true  inward  filence :  we  rode  back  to  Eliza- 
beth  JollifPs  and  lodged,  where  my  mind  was 
very  clofely  tried,  as  it  was  alfo  next  day  at 
Back  Creek  meeting;  but  being  comforted  in 
the  labours  of  my  companion,  and  enabled  my- 
felf,  though  in.  much  weaknefs  of  fpirit,  the 
power  of  truth  arofe,  to  the  fhaking.the  earth- 
ly minds,  and  to  the  comforting  the  true  feed. 
On  the  26th,  after  an;  open  fansfac"lory  meet- 
ing at  John  Fawfett's,-!  parted  with  my  dear 
companion '.Hannah  Fofter,  and  being  joined  by 
my  dear; friend i Sidney  Wright,  we  rode  thirty- 
fix  miles-to  -a  meeting,  on  the  28th,  at  Jackfon 
Allen's*,  which-  was  to  our  comfort  j  after 
which,  riding  twenty  miles*  we  lodged 'at  an, 
inn,  where  was  a  rude  company,  and  rwe  go: 
but  little  fleep.  Next  day  rode  forty-five  miles 
and  lodged  at  another  inn, .kept. by  a.widow, 
who  was  very  kind. to  us. 

The  lit  ft!  1 2th   months  fir  ft  of  the 
c  3 


(     3°     ) 

we  rode  ten  miles  to  Jofeph  Douglafs's,  at  the 
fouth-weft  mountain,  and  had  a  good  meeting 
at  his  houfe,  where  it  pleafed  the  Lord  to  fa- 
vour us  poor  travellers,  to  the  praife  of  hi? 
great  name.  Then  taking  meetings  at  Camp 
Creek,  Fork  Creek,  and  Genito,  croffed  James 
River,  after  cutting  the  ice;  and  on  the  7th 
reached  John  Johnfon's,  much  weary,  having 
had  a  cold  fnow-ftorm;  after  taking  fome  re- 
frefhment  we  refted  well;  may  my  fpirit  be 
humbled,  under  that  fupporting  hand  that  hath 
preferved  us  through  fo  many  dangers.  Firfl- 
day,  being  the  8th,  we  went  to  Emato  meeting, 
wh^re  was  a  rude  company  ;  but  it  pleafed  God 
to  caufe  his  power  to  fpread  over  the  company, 
to  the  praife  of  his  name.  On  the  pth  and  loth 
we  rode  feventy  miles  to  M.  Tirel's,  at  Bed- 
ford, where  we  met  with  Zacharias  Dicks  and 
John  Carter,  who  had  been  lick  at  this  houfe. 
On  the  i  zth  I  arofe  with  much  fear  and  trem- 
bling of  heart,  which  caufed  my  fpirit  to  bow 
in  a  filent  travail  as  I  went  to  meeting  at  Bed- 
ford, where  we  were  highly  favoured ;  may  my 
fpirit  humbly  bow  in  acknowledgment  to  the 
Matter  of  our  affcmblies.  Then  taking  two  or 
three  meetings  in  the  way,  came  into  North 
Carolina,  and  on  the  i7th  had  a  meeting  at 
Ano,  where  were  a  few  people;  but  it  pleafed 
the  Almighty  to  favour  us  together.  On  the 
aid  we  went  to  the  Spring  meeting,  where  I 
was  tried  in  mind,  fo  .that  I  was  ready  to  fay 
•what  did  I  come  here  for?  but  as  I  fat  in  po- 


(    3'     ) 

verty  of  fpirit,  I  felt  love  to  fpread   over  the 
meeting,   and    the  Lord  favoured  us,  to.  our 
comfort   and  peace.     2  ad,  being  firft-day,  we 
rode  feven  miles  to  Cane  Creek  meeting,  where 
the  merciful  hand  bore  us  up;     Next  day  rods 
thirty  miles  and  ferried  over  Deep  River,  which 
was  the  moft  dangerous  I  thought   I  had  ever 
crofled.     On  the   24th  we  crofled  the  River 
again,    and   attended    meeting,    where    I   was 
brought   low    in    my   mind,   but   light  broke 
through  and  I  was  comforted :  after  meeting  we 
rode  twelve  miles  to  Mary  Dixon's  and  lodged: 
in  the  evening  we  were  comforted,  in  a  religious 
opportunity  in  the  family.     Next  morning  went 
twelve  miles  to  Rocky  River  meeting,  and   a 
powerful  meeting  it  was;  may  my  fpirit  bow  to 
the  God  of  all  our  mercies,  and  return  unto  him 
thankfgiving  and  praife,  which  is   due  to  him 
alone.     Taking  meetings  at  Holly  Spring  and 
Polecat,  we   came   to.   New-Garden   monthly 
meeting,  on  the  28th;  and  next  day,  being  nrft 
of  the  week,  we  had  a  precious  meeting  there, 
wherein  I  was  much  concerned,  that  our -pre- 
cious Mafter  might  crown  our  affemblies;  then 
can  we  rightly  return  thanks  to  his  great,  and 
worthy   name.     Thence  calling  to  dine  with 
Sarah  Hunt,  wife  of  William  Hunt,  now  gone 
on  a  religious  vifit  to  Friends  in  Europe,  we 
came  on  the  3oth  to  Center  meeting,  which  was 
a  feeling   time.     Next  day  were  at  Mordicas 
meeting,  where  I  fat  under  much  poverty  of 
fpirit,  and  my  companion  was  much  favoured 


C    3*     > 

in  teflimony,  and  feeling  a  little  to  deliver  myfelf 
we  had  a  pleafant  time.. 

id  month  ift,  1772,  attended  Deep  River 
meeting,  which  was  iilent  to  us.     Next  day  fet 
out  for  South -Carolina,    rode  forty  miles  to 
Salifbury,  and  the  day  following  forty  more  to 
Gharlottetown,  where  there  was  a  rude  com- 
pany collected  for  a  dance  at  the  court^houfe, 
\vho  had  befpoke  all   the  lodgings,  but  being- 
furnifhed  with  a  charTbed  by  the  fire,  I  refted 
well,  and  my  heart  was  thankful,  to  fee  ail 
things  made  eafy  to  me.     Next  day,  after  riding 
thiriy-three  miles,  we  had  only  the  floor  to  lie 
upon,  where  we  gained  feme  refK     On  the  5th 
we   rode   thirty    miles    to    Broad    River,  and 
croffing  the  ferry,  rode  four  miles  to  Martha 
Hollingfworth's, a  Friend  who  kindly  entertained 
us.     Next  day  we  attended  Broad  River  meet^ 
ing,  and  the  day  following  at  Tigo  River,  which 
river  we  crofTed  in  a  canoe;  and  on  the  8th- 
had  a  meeting  a  Perget's  Creek,  which  was  a 
time  of  refrefhment ;  thanks  to  the  Lord  for  his 
favours.     On  the  pth  we  fet  off  for  Bufh  River, 
and  riding  down  to  Enoree  River,  it  was  very 
high,  but  we  ventured  in,  and  found  it  fo  deep 
that  we  wet  our  feet  in  croffing;.  then  rode  to 
Indian  .Creek,  which  proved  ftill  deeper,  but  the 
men  falling  three  trees  acrofs  led ;  us  over,  and 
fwam  the  horfes  through;  riding  a  little  further, 
we  came  to  another  river  which  looked"  more 
dangerous  than  any  we  had  paffed;  and  ven- 
turing in,  our  horfes  almoft  fwam,  but  we  got 


(    33    > 

well  over  though  with  wet  feet,  and  alfo  wet- 
ting all  our  clothes  in  the  faddle  bags;  this  day 
we  crofled  four  rivers  and  rode  thirty  miles. 
On  the  1 2th,  being  firft  day  of  the  week,  rode 
five  miles  to  Bu(h  River  meeting,  in  much  po- 
verty of  fpirit,  being  bowed  to  the  honour  of 
God;  and  it  pleafed  him  to  open  a  living  tefli- 
mony,  to  the  refrcfhment  of  my  drooping  foul. 
About  this  time  I  was  under  a  deep  exercife 
of  mind,  ,to  go  as  far  as  Georgia,  and  laid  it 
before  my  dear  companion  Sidney  Wright,  alfo 
our  kind  ailiftant  Andrew  M'Ray,  he  having 
been  with  me  near  two  months,  and  (hewed 
much  kindnefs  to  us ;  but  coming  near  the  place 
from  which  we  were  to  fet  out  for  Georgia,  he 
told  me  after  weighing  the  matter,  he  could  not 
then  fee  he  could  go;  I  told  him  he  had  been- 
very  kind  to  us,  and  I  was  thankful  to  him  for 
his  afliflance,  but  having  parted  with  all  I  had 
near  and  dear  to  me,  for  the  fake  of  inward 
peace,  I  mud  alfo  part  with  him,  if  I  found  it 
my  duty  flill  to  go.  But  oh!  how  I  did  pour 
out  my  fpirit  before  the  Lord,  with  defires  to  be 
excufed;  but  the  more  I  laboured  therefor,  the 
more  ctearly  I  faw  it  my  duty,  to  (land  refigned 
to  the  fervice,  and  I  found  if  I  was  not  faithful 
therein,  I  fhould  fuftain  a  great  lofs;  which 
brought  my  fpirit  to  bow  to  him  that  he  might 
pleafe  to  open  a  door,  and  make  way  for  me  in 
this  pinching  time,  and  then  the  Lord's  will 
fhould  be  my  will;  but  withal  it  arofe  in  my 
mind,  why  fhould  1  go  where  no  other  Friends. 


(     34     ) 

had  gone  before  me?  it  wasfaid  tome,  "  what 
if  he  tarry  till  I  come  what  is  that  to  thce?  fol- 
low thou  me;"  which  raifed  my  drooping 
fpirits  to  rcfign  all  to  his  will,  if  the  Lord  would 
only  make  me  like  his  beloved  difciple,  to  lean 
upon  his  bread'.  And  when  I  difcovered  my 
mind  to  Andrew  again,  he  was  willing  to  go,  and 
endeavoured  to  encourage  me  to  fet  out  cheer- 
fully, which  we  did,  accompanied  by  Mary 
Babb,  Francis  Janes  and  William  Thatcher. 
On  the  1 3th  we  rode  twenty  miles  to  Jbfeph- 
Hollingfworth's,  and  had  a  precious  meeting 
in  the  dwdling-houfe,  feeling  the  father's  love 
m  this  remote  pan  of  the  earth:  thence  feven 
miles  and  lodged  at  Jofeph  Ball's.  On  the  i4tb 
rode  ten  miles  to  Robbin's  Creek,  and  had 
another  meeting,  and  returning  to  Jofeph  Ball's 
Jbfl  our  way  and  rode  through  many  dangerous 
places ;  but  reached  our  lodgings  about  eight 
o'clock.  On  the  i5th  parting  with  my  com- 
panion Sidney  Wright,  who  concluded  to  tarry 
with  her  relations,  we  rode  nineteen  miles  to 
Saluda  river,  and  crofled  at  Cannon's  ferry, 
and  going  twelve  miles  further,  were  kindly 
entertained  at  an  inn.  Next  day  we  rode  forty- 
four  miles  to  Savannah,  and  on  the  i7th  crof- 
fmg  the  river,  landed  in  Georgia;  then  rode  12 
miles  to  Ifaac  Loe's,  where  we  procured  fome 
refrefhment,  and  they  refufing  our  money  there- 
for, we  acknowledged  their  kindnefs,  and  my 
heart  was  made  thankful  to  the  Almighty,  that 
he  fliould  open  the  hearts  of  (hangers,  to  receive 


(     35    ) 

fo  poor  and  unworthy  a  creatarc  as  I  was; 
thence  going  ten  miles  further  came  to  John 
Sill's,  a  Friend's  houfc,  where  we  lodged  ;  and 
on  the  1 8th  went  to  meeting  in  Georgia,  and 
had  highly  favored  opportunities.  I  thought 
this  was  the  very  place  J  had  long  feen,  even 
when  I  was  at  home;  may  my  foul  bow  down, 
as  it  were  with  my  face  to  the  earth,  and  give 
honour  to  the  Lord  alone,  who  giveth  10  man 
an  underflanding;  he  made  me  to  feel  the  ex- 
crcifes  of  my  brethren,  my  fpirit  often  breathed 
to  them  before  I  left  home,  and  it  feemed  to 
me,  that  it  was  in  the  furthermoft  parts  of  my 
journey,  and  it  proved  fo.  Oh!  with  humble 
joy  do  I  return  thanks  to  my  God!  can  I  regret 
any  pains  I  have  taken  for  fo  great  a  reward  ? 
1  could  add  much  more  of  the  goodnefs  of  the 
Lord  to  me  at  this  time;  but  1  defire  caution* 
left  I  ftiould  go  too  far  in  revealing  the  many 
mercies  that  God  beftowed  upon  fo  unworthy  a 
fervant  as  at  times  I  feel  myfelf.  After  meeting 
we  went  to  Jofeph  Maddock's  and  lodged* 
On  the  i  Qih,  and  firft  of  the  week,  we  attended 
another  meeting  in  this  place,  and  a  mod  pre- 
cious time  it  was;  I  thought  the  Lord  opened 
a  door  and  alfo  comforted  my  drooping  fpirit, 
and  fhewcd  me  this  was  the  place  I  faw  before 
I  left  home,  and  Friends  there  thought  fo  too, 
for  they  had  been  in  much  grief  in  this  place; 
may  my  foul  continually  bow  in  humility,  and 
return  to  my  God  feven  fold  of  praife,  who  re- 
vealed his  will  to  me,  and  encouraged  and  r«- 


(     36     ) 

warded  me;  for  he  alone  preferved  me  from  all 
d  angers.  The  soth  we  fet  off  to  leave  Georgia 
with  much  peace  of  mind,  and  joy  of  heart: 
Oh !  what  it  is  to  be  faithful  to  the  manifefta- 
tions  of  divine  openings,  it  is  what  will  give  the 
anfwer  of  "  Well  done  good  and  faithful  fer- 
vant,  enter  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord."  Riding 
thirty-five  miles,  crolTed  Savannah  river,  at 
Mammon's  ferry,  and  flopped  at  a  fmall  houfe 
without  a  floor,  where  they  gave  us  fome  hulks 
to  lay  upon,  and  with  my  faddle  for  a  pillow  I 
was  favoured  to  go  to  fleep,  and  refled  well. 
Next  day  after  flopping  at  an  inn  for  fome  re- 
frcfliment,  we  rode  on  till  feeling  very  fleepy 
we  flopped  and  laid  down  upon  the  ground, 
and  I  foon  fell  afleep  and  felt  refrefhed :  then 
came  to  an  inn,  where  we  were  civilly  en- 
tertained, and  obtained  a  bed  and  blanket  to 
lodge  upon.  On  the  2  2d  rode  thirty-nine 
miles,  and  23d  twelve  miles  further,  to  the 
ferry  at  Suluda  river,  where  I  parted  with  my 
friend  Mary  Babb,  fhe  returning  home;  we 
then  came  on  to  Thomas  Pugh's,  twelve  miles, 
and  lodged.  Next  day  attended  preparative 
meeting  at  Bufh  river,  which  was  an  open  time, 
th'e  fenfe  of  the  meeting,  being  fenfibly  felt  to 
otif  comfort ;  may  the  Almighty  Protector  of 
his  depending  children,  have  the  honour  of  his 
own  works;  who  alone  is  worthy  of  all.  fifth, 
We  rtfde  towards  Wateree,  thirty  miles,  and 
croiTed  two  rivers.  Next  morning  rifmg  before 
day,  rotle  eigfrt  miles  before  fun-rife,  and  in 


(     37    ) 

the  courfe  of  our  journey,  through  this  wil- 
dcrnefs,  being  weary  I  Jay  down  upon  the 
ground  and  ilept  a  little;  and  after  travelling 
forty-fix  miles  this  day,  came  to  John  Colley's, 
a  Friend's  houfe  and  lodged,  where  we  were 
kindly  received.  26th,  being  firft  of  the  week, 
we  went  to  Lintetree,  croiTing  the  river  Ware- 
ree,  and  attended  two  meetings.  Next  clay 
being  ftormy  we  refled,  and  being  invited  fo 
breakfafl  with  one  not  a  Friend,  who  had  been. 
at  meeting  the  afternoon  before,  we  went  and 
were  very  kindly  treated  by  him.  The  two 
following  days  we  rode  feventy-eight  miles,  and 
croiTed  Pedee  river,  and  lodged  at  William 
Hetty's,  and  had  a  meeting  next  day  at  his  houfe. 
3 1 ft,  my  mind  was  much  turned  home,  with  de-' 
fires  that  the  Lord  would  protect  them,  and  my 
bowels  moved  towards  my  dear  hufband  and 
children  ;  but  I  was  comforted  with  thefe  words, 
"  I  will  tend  them  for  thee;"  fo  I  was  willing 
that  fo  gracious  a  Mafter  fhould  take  care  of 
them,  for  fo  poor  an  inltrument  as  I  was  in  his 
hand,  for  in  much  poverty  of  fpirit  I  travailed 
many  times,  in  which  I  was  brought  to  fay,  oh; 
Lord  I  am  afraid  I  {hall  deny  thee. 

On  the  i  ft  of  2d  month  we  fet  off  for  Coarf> 
Creek,  and  rode  forty  miles,  and  lodged  at  a 
poor  little  cabin  as  they  called  it;  the  next  day 
though  I  was  poorly  with  a  giddinefs  in  my 
head,  we  rode  twentyxfeven  miles;  and  on  firll- 
day  had  a  meeting  at  Gimpbelitown  in  the 
court-houfe;  but  religion  is  very  low  in  this 

D 


(     3$     > 

place.  Next  day  fet  out  for  Cape  Fear;  hav- 
ing no  guide,  through  the  wild ernefs,  \ve  palled 
fevcral  rivers  with  fome  danger,  and  in  a  hard 
rain,  and  my  companion  was  much  unwell;  on 
the  5th  we -reached  Richard  Cox's  after  a  fa- 
tiguing journey;  but  the  Lord  was  underneath, 
fo  that  I  could  fay  great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly 
to  be  praifed  is  his  holy  name :  for  it  was  he 
alone  who  cared  for  us  through  fo  many  dan- 
gers, both  inwardly  and  outwardly.  Oh  my  foul ! 
may  eft  thou  be  faithful  to  the  inward  revelation, 
for  that  brings  peace  of  mind ;  how  often  would 
my  nature  have  flinched,  but  the  hand  of  God 
would  draw  near,  and  caufe  me  to  tremble,  fo 
that  I  was  enabled  to  fay,  thy  will  O  Lord  ihall 
be  my  will  and  my  guide,  if  thou  wilt  give  me 
llrength  to  perform  thy  work  to  thine  honour, 
if  I  have  only  bread  to  eat  and  water  to  drink  and 
raiment  to  put  on,  fo  that  I  return  in  peace  to 
my  family  and  friends,  -whom  I  love  in  the  Lord, 
and  he  knoweth  that  my  fp'frit  is  humbled  in 
defires,  that  I  may  bring  no  (lain  upon  the  blef- 
fed  truth.  It  is  thou,  O  Lord!  that  haft  made 
the  truth  near  to  me  as  my  life,  thou  art  a  huf- 
band  indeed,  and  a  gracious  father,  to  fupport 
in  all  trials  thy  poor  depending  children,  who 
are  under  thy  preparing  hand,  that  they  may 
fay  in  their  hearts,  in  iincerity  and  truth,  thy 
will  be  done.  On  the  yth  we  had  a  meeting  at 
Jolhua  Davis's,  and  going  thirteen  miles  fur- 
ther, lodged  at  the  houfe  of  one  not  in  profef- 
fron  with  us  j  where  we  were  kindly  entertained . 


(    39    ) 

I  have  often  thought  it  was  the  Lord,  that  gave 
us  favour  among  the  people,  and  may  he  have 
the  honour  of  all  his  works,  who  caufeth  my 
cup  to  overflow  by  his  power  at  this  time.  8th 
we  rode  thirty-one  miles  to  Tar  River,  which 
we  crofted  in  a  canoe,  fwimming  our  horfes 
over.  How  often  is  the  dread  of  the  Father 
of  mercies,  influencing  my  mind,  to  write  in 
much  trembling,  of  my  fecret  exercifes;  I  am 
at  times  afraid  to  write,  and  afraid  to  omit  it, 
but  I  find  my  mind  eafy  in  writing  what  I  have 
here  inferted.  We  lodged  at  Henry  Horn's, 
and  next  day  being  ift  of  the  week,  had  a  good 
meeting  in  his  houfe ;  here  my  horfe  failing  me, 
in  a  fhort  time  died,  and  being  provided  with" 
another,  we  fet  out  for  Northampton,  and  crof- 
fed  Roanoke,  and  one  other  river  that  appeared 
dangerous ;  we  reached,  in  the  evening  Thomas 
Knox's,  where  my  companion  was  taken  fo  ill, 
that  though  much  ftraitened  in  mind  at  the 
thought  of  leaving  her,  I  went  to  meeting  at 
Richfquare,  without  her,  in  much  poverty  of 
fpirit,  but  it  pleafed  the  Lord  to  open  the  fpring 
of  life,  to  the  comforting  of  my  drooping  mind. 
1 2th,  leaving  my  companion  ftil!  weak  and  being 
accompanied  by  Thomas  Wright  and  wife,  we 
went  five  miles  to  Thomas  Copeland's,  and  feel- 
ing a  concern  to  have  a  religious  opportunity 
in  the  family,  we  were  much  favoured  to- 
gether. Next  day,  going  thirty-five  miles,  had 
a  precious  meeting  at  Piny  Woods;  the  Lord 
flill  confirming  his  figns  torny  poor  foul,  before 

D    2 


(     40     ) 

I  left  home,  that  I  might  have  that  feeling  fenfe 
of  the  unity  of  my  brethren,  when  I  was  fo  far 
feparated  from  them,  that  runs  from  veiTcl  to 
vcfTel,  and  which  unites  in  the  onenefs,  to  the 
one  God  and  Father  of^us  ail.  Firft-day,  i6th, 
\verc  at  meeting  at  Wells,  where  it  pleafed  the 
Lord  to  open  the  fprings  of  life,  to  the  relief 
of  my  mind.  i;th,  went  to  Old  Neck  meeting, 
where  was  a  funeral  of  a  friend  and  her  child, 
(lie  dying  in  child-bed;  here  we  met  witfi 
Timothy  Davis  and  Benjamin  Jones,  and  had  a 
favoured  meeting  together;  taking  leave  of 
them,  we  were  at  Little  River,  at  Simmon's 
Creek  meeting,  where  it  pleafed  God  to  feed 
us  with  heavenly  food,  to  the  comforting  of  my 
foul.  I  have  reafon  to  be  thankful  to  the  Lord 
who  bringeth  down  and  fetteth  up  again,  to  his 
own  glory.  After  meeting,  I  received  a  fatif- 
fa&ory  letter  from  my  dear  hufband.  Taking 
meetings  at  Newbegan  Creek  and  one  at  the 
houfe  of  Abet  Trueblood,  we  came  to  Thomas 
Newbey's,  where  I  was  comforted  in  meeting 
with  my  companion,  and  23d,  being  firfl  of  the 
week,  attended  Piny  Woods  meeting.  On 
24th,  fet  off  for  Virginia,  being  accompanied  by 
Jofiah  Gordon  and  Joiiah  White.  We  attended 
meetings  at  Summerton,  Weftern  Branch,  and 
alfo  at  the  houfe  of  Elizabeth  Denifons.  Oh  ! 
the  forrow  I  felt  at  times,  my  fpirit  being  much 
opprefled,  feeing  none  in  fuch  want  as  my  fell'; 
oh,  thought  I,  why  was  fo  poor  a  mortal  as  I 
am,  Cent  on  fo  great  a  work,  indeed  a  worm  and 


(     41      ) 

no  man ;  gr-eat  are  the  fufferingf  now-a-days, 
for  the  feed  lays  low,  and  the  Lord's  children 
mud  go  low  to  feel  it.  Then  taking  meetings' 
at  Black  Creek,  James  Stamen's,  Black  water, 
Barrigh  and  Gravel  Run;  lodged  at  Edward 
Stabler's ;  and  5th  of  3d  month  he  and  his  wife, 
accompanied  us  on  our  way  to  Curies,  in 
Virginia,  and  meeting  again  with  T.  Davis  and 
B.  Jones,  attended  two  meetings  at  White  Oak 
Swamp.  On  the  9th,  being  the  feeond  day 
after  parting  with  them,  came  to  Black  Creek 
meeting,  which  was  a  moil  powerful  time,  to  the 
fhaking  the  earthly  mind  in  many  prefent.  Then 
taking  meetings  at  the  Swamp  and  Cedar  Creek, 
on  the  i3th  we  came  to  Robert  Painter's,  where 
I  parted  with  Andrew  M'Ray,  who  had  been 
near  four  months  with  us,  in  much  kindnefs 
and  attention,  and  fuffered  much  with  us,  on 
account  of  the  poor  black  fervants,  with  which 
many  parts  of  this  country  abound.  Here  I 
alfo  parted  with  my  dear  friend  Sidney  Wright, 
in  much  love,  who  had  alfo  been  with  me  near 
four  months. 

On  the  1 4th,  being  firfl  of  the  week,  we 
were  favoured  with  a  precious  meeting  at 
Suffolk,  in  the  afternoon,  and  next  day  rode 
fixty-five  miles,  to  Mahlon  Janney's;  and  i6rh, 
fet  off  for  Philadelphia,  which  city  I  reached  on 
the  2oth,  where  I  met  with  many  friends,  who 
feemed  glad  to  fee  me  again.  Next  day  1  went 
to  the  meeting  for  minifters  and  elders,  where 
were  many  good  teftimonies  Borne  j  but 
D  3 


iiient,  with  defires  to  wait  the  Lord's  time. 
22d,  being  firft  of  the  week,  I  attended  three 
meetings  in  High-Street "  meeting-houfe;  and 
*3d  the  half  year's  meeting  of  minifters  and 
elders,  and  next  day  at  the  Bank  meeting,  jn  all 
•which  I  was  filent,  and  deeply  pained  in  mind. 
24th,  I  went  to  the  feleft  meeting,  and  the 
Lord  made  way  for  me,  and  ealed  my  pained 
mind,  and  we  had  a  precious  time.  I  was  alfo 
at  meeting  on  the  26th,  and  their  monthly 
meeting  on  the  27th,  which  was  a  good  meet- 
ing; and  29th,  being  firft  of  the  week,  I  went 
to  High-ftreet  meeting  three  times,  which  were 
all  good  meetings.  . 

I  tarried  in  the  city,  until  the  1 3th  of  4th 
month,  attending  meetings  as  they  came  in 
courfe,  many  times  under  deep  tryings  and 
provings,  and  in  great  fear  and  trembling ;  my 
faith  feemed  almoft  ready  to  fail  me;  but  blefled 
be  the  name  of  the  Lord,  his  hand  was  near  to 
preierve  my  truft  in  him  through  all  the  buf- 
ictings  of  iatan;  and  he.  at  times  gave  me  a 
little  of  the  balm  of  Gilead,  that  comforted  my 
drooping  fpirit.  On  the  24th,  1  attended  Wood- 
bary  meeting  in  much  poverty  of  fpirit;  but 
we  were  favoured  together;  may  my  heart  be 
thankful  to  the  Lord  for  all  his  mercies,  blefled 
be  his  holy  name.  That  night  I  lodged  at 
William  Key's,  a  kinfman  of  mine.  Then 
taking  meetings  at  Greenwich,  Piles-Grove, 
Alloways  Creek;  my  mind  was  under  deep  ex- 
crcifc,  and  at  times  1  thought  that  ail  good  was 


(     43    ) 

Separated  from  me;  but  I  was  enabled  to  cry  to 
the  Lord,  that  he  would  once  more  give  itrength 
to  overcome  the  world,  and  all  the  fears  of  it;, 
that  fo,  I  might  praife  his  great  name. 

iSth,  being  firft  of  the  week,  was  at  Salem 
meeting,  which  though  exercifing^  the  Lord 
made  way  for  me,  and  on  the  zoth  had  an  open- 
time  at  Lower  Greenwich  meeting,  the  Lord  I 
found  to  be  my  helper,  in  all  my  trials,  bleffed 
be  his  name.  I  then  parted  with  Stephen  Comfort 
and  James  Moore,  who  had  been  with  us  g. 
week.  Next  day  went  on  for  Cape  May,  rode 
forty-three  miles  and  lodged  at  J.  Townfend's, 
where  my  exercife  was  very  great,  and  1  faw 
no  other  way  for  me,  but  that  I  mud  return  to 
Philadelphia  again,  which  was  no  fmall  trial; 
but  being  defirous  to  be  given  up  to  the  re- 
'quirings  of  the  Lord,  the  prayers  of  my  heart 
were  to  him,  for  (irength  to  perform  all  things 
he  fliould  require,  of  fo  poor  unworthy  a  crea- 
ture as  I  was.  However,  I  went  to  meeting 
and  a  laborious  time  it  was;  I  often  faid  in  my 
heart,  by  whom  fliall  Jacob  arife,  for  he  is 
fmall ;  at  length  my  companion  arofe  with  a  few 
words,  which  were  lively,  and  then  I  felt 
ilrength  to  arife,  and  an  open  time  we  had; 
which  I  hope  will  prove  of  fervice,  to  all  that 
were  prefent.  May  it  be  remembered,  how  the 
Lord  fupported  me  through  all  my  trials;  my 
heart  is  rilled  with  his  goodnefs,  and  I  know  he 
will  not  be  wanting  on  his  part,  fo  that  if  we 
mils  our  way,  it  mud  be  our  own  fault j  oh! 


(     44     ) 

his  gracious  hand  hath  been  with  me  all  my  life 
long,  I  fee  he  is  ftill  with  me;  blefled  be  the 
name  of  my  God,  I  rejoice  that  he  llveth  in  me, 
and  that  1  am  made  to  praife  him,  who  alone  is 
worthy  of  all  praife.  23d,  we  went  to  the 
lower  meeting  at  Great  Egg  Harbour,  and  had 
an  open  time,  it  pleafed  the  Lord  more  and  more 
to  confirm  me,  that  I  was  in  the  way  of  my  duty, 
and  that  I  mud  return  to  fome  places  where  I 
had  not  been  enough  faithful.  Oh  the  fears  I 
pa{Ted  through  are  inexpreflible  :  but  the  Lord 
is  true,  he  will  raife  his  power  higher  and 
higher,  until  he  inaketh  his  power  to  reign  over 
us,  if  we  are  given  up  to  cry  for  ftrengtb,  even 
to  laying  down  our  lives  if  required.  'I  hefe  are 
great  fay  ings ;  but  there  are  iome  of  his  children 
brought  to  know  peace  of  mind  with  him,  which 
is  all  we  want;  and  what  is  my  life,  if  it  be  in 
difobedience,  compared  with  eternity  and  the 
love  we  owe  to  him,  who  loved  us,  before  we 
loved  him,  and  hath  done  fo  much  for  us;  he  is 
complete  in  himfelf  without  us.  Oh!  indeed 
can  my  fpirit  fay,  What  is  man  that  thou  art 
mindful  of  him,  or  the  fon  of  man  that  thou 
vifitelt  him?  thou  haft  placed  us  a  little 
lower  than  the  angels,  and  made  us  to  fee  thy 
wonderous  works,  which  are  part  finding  out 
by  us,  as  men  and  creatures,  in  our  own  abili- 
ties, s^th,  we  were  at  Upper  Egg  Harbour 
meeting,  where  the  truth  gained  the  vi&ory. 
26th,  firft  day  of  the  week,  we  went  to  meeting 
at  Little  Egg  Harbour,  which  was  a  very  good 


C    .45     ) 

opportunity,  may  my  fpirh  bow  down  to  him 
who  opened  the  way  for  me.  Next  day  went 
to  Barrington  meeting,  eleven  miles,  and  divine 
favour  feemed  to  be  like  a  mower  upon  us; 
hlcfled  be  his  name  who  was  thus  merciful  to 
us.  28th,  we  fee  out  for  Philadelphia^  and 
rode'  forty-four  miles  to  Jofudi  White's,  in 
xvhofe  inftruclive  company,  I  was  comforted  in. 
the  trial  I  was  in,  on  account  of  my  going  back 
to  the  city;  may  the  Lord  remember  me,  and 
iupply  me  with  patience  and  refignation  to  his 
will,  then  all  will  be  well  with  me,  here  and 
hereafter.  Next  day  was  at  their  week-day 
meeting  and  was  thankful  in  feeling  the  conde- 
icenfion  of  my  God.  zoth,  had  an  open  fa- 
tisfaclory  meeting  at  Burlington;  oh  may  my 
fpirit  and  all  that  is  within  me,  bow  low  as  iti 
the  dud,  and  acknowledge  the  many  mercies  of 
God:  my  cup  overflowed!  in  him  alone,  that 
hath  fnewn  forth  his  ftrength  once  more  to  my 
diilrefled  heart,  that  has  at  times  been  filled 
with  fears,  left  I  had  loft  fight  of  him.  Af- 
ternoon, parting  with  my  dear  companion 
Rebecca  Wright,  to  whom  my  fpirit  Was 
made  near,  George  Dillwyn  took  me  in  a 
chaile  to  Philadelphia,  to  John  Pemberton's, 
where  I  lodged;  but  oh  the  fears  that  attended 
my  mind — oh  Lord  once  more  fupport  me,  for 
I  have  only  thee  to  pleafe  ;  when  I  was  here 
before,  I  delivered  up  my  body  but  not  my 
heart  fully  to  thee;  but  now  I  fee  1  muft  de- 
liver up  all  to  thine  hand,  for  obedience  is 


(     46     ) 

better  than  facrifke,  and  to  hearken  to  thy 
voice,  than  the  fat  of  all  the  land;  therefore,  I 
pray  thee,  give  me  ability  to  ferve  thee  with  a 
lincere  heart,  and  an  upright  mind. 

2d  of  jth  month,  I  went  to  the  feleft  meet- 
ing, in  the  city,  and  the  Lord  gave  me  fome 
ftrength  to  perform  his  will,  for  the  will  of  man 
never  wrought  the  righteoufnefs  of  God:  but 
the  will  of  God,  is  the  righteoufnefs  of  our  poor 
fouls.  Next  day  being  firll-day,  I  went  to  Pine 
Street  meeting,  wherein  a  degree  of  light  broke 
forth,  and  I  felt  love  flill  to  increafe^in  me,  to 
the  caufe  of  truth.  In  the  afternoon,  went  to 
the  Bank  meeting,  where  I  fat  under  much 
exercife,  thinking  with  the  apcftle,  oh  wretched 
man  that  I  am,  who  (hall  deliver  me  from  this 
body  of  death?  but  trufting  in  the  Lord  for 
ftrength,  I  arofe  in  much  love,  and  was  carried 
through  to  my  relief:  and  in  the  evening  meet- 
ing I  ftill  felt  a  concern  to  be  inwardly  cleanfed; 
knowing  that  without  that  my  preaching  would 
be  in  vain,  and  under  a  weight  of  fpirit  1  arofe, 
without  a  word  in  my  mouth,  and  after  (landing 
a  while  in  much  poverty,  my  mouth  was  opened 
with  thefe  words;  Lord  help  all  thofe  weak 
ones,  who  are  bowed  before  thee;  and  it  pleafed 
the  God  and  Father  of  all  our  mercies  to  own 
me,  a  poor  drooping  and  unworthy  child,  and 
the  meeting  ended  in  a  folid  manner,  my  heart 
being  filled  with  praife  to  him  alone,  who 
worketh  miracles  in  his  poor  depending  chil- 
dren, at  times.  The  next  day  was  their  quar- 


(     47     ) 

terly  meeting,  in  which  I  was  filent;  but  many 
good  testimonies  were  borne,  which  were  fweet 
to  my  tafte.  After  meeting  my  mind  felt  deeply 
oppreffed,  and  I  often  cried  in  fecret,  Lord  give 
me  ftrength;  and  I  went  to  bed  with  this  lan- 
guage, and  rofe  with  the  fame,  Lord  give  me 
ftrength,  and  enable  me  to  do  thy  will,  be  it  in 
ever  fo  broken  a  manner.  I  alfo  attended  the 
youth's  meeting,  and  was  much  favoured  ia 
fupplication,  and  after  another  Friend  had 
fpoken,  I  was  favoured  to  cafe  my  mind,  and 
my  heart  was  rilled  with  joy  and  gladnefs,  to 
the  ever  bleifed  God,  who  had  in  divers  man- 
ners, fpoken  to  my  poor  foul :  living  praifes  to 
the  God  and  Father  of  all  our  mercies,  may 
thou  my  foul,  humble  thyfelf  before  him. 

On  the  loth  I  went  to  Germantown  meet- 
ing, accompanied  by  Margaret  Norton,  who  is 
a  fvveet  fpirited  woman,  and  could  bear  a  part 
with  me  in  my  exercises;  but  the  Lord  is  our 
dependance.  After  meeting  dined  at  John 
Jones's,  and  had  a  fweet  time  in  the. family. 
Next  day  going  to  Abbington  meeting,  as  I 
came  near  the  houfe,  I  was  made  to  remember 
what  the  inward  voice  faid  to  me  many  year$ 
pad;  What  is  thy  petition  or  requeft  and  it 
{hall  be  given  thee  ?  to  ferve  thee  in  the  valley 
of  humiliation  of  mind,  even  to  ferve  thee  the 
Lord:  and  I  thought  if  the  Lord  would  but 
grant  me  this  to  day,  I  would  aik  no  more ;  and 
it  was  a  mod  precious  feafon  indeed.  We  then 
took  meetings  at  Fanhill,  Chefter,  Wilmington, 

' 


and  Concord,  which  were  ail  favoured  oppor- 
tunities, and   returned   to  Philadelphia. — isth 
and  i  ^th    attended   the   meeting  held   once  a 
quarter  for  the  black  people.     Next  day  went 
fifteen  miles  to  Radnor  meeting,  in  much  po- 
verty of  fpirir;  but  the  Lord   caufed  a  morfel 
of  bread   to  be  given  us,  and  my  heart  was 
made  thankful  and  joyful  to  the  Lord,  that  he 
had  given  me  ftrength  day  by  day,  to  go  through 
fo  great  a  fervice  without  more  forrow  to  the 
outward.      On   the  1 5th  we  left  Philadelphia, 
and  went  to  Wilmington,  and  lodged  at  David 
Ferris's,  and  was  at  their  meeting  the  firft-day 
following,  and  then  went   on    for  Choptank, 
where  we  had  a  precious  meeting,  as  likewife 
another  on   Bay  iide,  wherein  I  was  much  fa- 
.  voured  in  fupplication;  oh  may  my  fpirit  bow 
down  under  a  fenfe  of  the  goodnefs  of  the  Lord, 
and  fit  in  the  gate  of  humiliation  for  renewed 
fhength,  to  bring  up  memorials  as  out  of  the 
bottom  of  Jordan.    Oh  thou,  who  was, as  a  pillar 
of  a  c!o«d  by  dar,  and  a  pillar  of  fire  by  night, 
that  thou  m>uldit  not  differ  my  poor  fainting 
foul  to  fall  by  the  way;  but  heal  all  my  infir- 
mities, and  build  me  up  to  thyfelf,  that  I  may 
once  more  know  rhat  thou  art  a  God  hearing 
prayer,  that  my  fervice   may  be  accepted  by 
thee,  and  leave  a  fweet  favour  behind  me,  when 
thou   releafeft   me   to  return    home;  that  the 
honour  of  thy   truth  may  have  the  vi&ory,  in 
going  home  as  well  as  coming  out,  for  there 
was  nothing  could   prevail  again  (I   thee:  oh, 


C     49     ) 

how  did  the  mountains  melt  down  to  thy  honour, 
and  it  was  marvellous  in  my  fight,  and  I  was 
brought  upon  the  banks  of  deliverance:  now 
Lord,  I  pray  thee,  remember  me  for  thy  truth's 
fake,  and  let  me  return  in  like  manner,  that  I 
may  be  enabled  to  fay,  then  waft  my  Alpha 
and  Omega,  my  firil  and  my  laft,  the  Lord  blef- 
fed  for  ever  and  ever. 

We  then  took  meetings  at  Third  Haven, 
Marfhy  Creek,  Cold  Spring,  Three  Runs, 
Mother  Kill,  Little  Creek,  and  Duck  Creek, 
moftly  favoured  opportunities.  In  the  laft 
meeting,  while  I  was  fpeaking,  I  found  it  my 
duty  to  obferve,  that  there  were  prefent  that 
difdained  what  I  faid,  and  that  among  the  young 
women:  after  meeting,  I  found  my  companion 
had  feen  a  woman  laugh,  and  thought  I  had 
fcen  her,  which  occafioned  my  remark ;  but  I 
had  not  feen  any  fuch  conduct,  but  was  glad 
that  I  had  been  made  faithful  to  the  openings 
in  my  mind;  for  when  it  firft  appeared  I  put  it 
from  me,  thinking  I  had  flood  long  enough; 
but  I  was  not  clear  without  mentioning  it,  which 
was  to  my  comfort  and  peace  of  mind.  The 
3Oth,  went  to  George  Creek  meetiirg  which 
was  a  precious  feeling  time;  blefTed  be  my  gra- 
cious Mafter  who  having  called  me  from  my 
home,  to  labour  in  his  vineyard,  now  gave  me 
to  feel,  that  my  fervice  in  this -journey  was 
nearly  accomplifhed. 

We  then  returned  to  Wilmington,  with  my 
efleemed  friend  Ziba  Ferris,  to  his  houfe,  he 


(     50     > 

having  been  with  me  two  weeks;  and  after  tak- 
ing their  two  meetings  on  firfl-day,  returned  to 
Philadelphia  ;  and  having  been  much  favoured 
in  my  laft  vifit  in  this  city,  I  left  it  on  the  fame 
day;  but  afterwards  felt  fome  fears,  that  I 
had  given  back  in  the  day  of  battle,  left  the 
truth  fiipuld  lofe  ground:  lodging  at  James- 
Thornton's,  I  went  next  day  to  Nathan  Wright's, 
und  the  day  following  was  at  Chefterfield  meet- 
ing, which  was  a  moll  favoured  feafon.  7th 
of  6th  month,  being  firft  of  the  week,  we  went 
to  a  meeting  at  Squancum,  held  in  a  barn ;  rode 
fifteen  miles,  and  lodged  at  Elihu  Williains's. 
Still  my  concern  remained  reflecting  leaving 
Philadelphia;  fearing  I  fhould  not  be  clear  and 
feel  peace  of  mind,  without  going  back  again, 
but  I  feel  defirous  to  be  given  up  to  his  will  in 
all  things;  yet  rinding  myfelf  weak,  as  I  have 
been  at  fome  other  times,  I  feel  a  fear  to  attend, 
left  I  fhould  be  found  denying  my  Lord,  to  my 
great  grief,  who  has  vouchfafed  his  help  for  my 
deliverance  fo  many  times:  oh  that  this  may  fall 
into  the  hands  of  fome,  who  may  be  more  care- 
ful and  faithful  to  the  moving  of  divine  good- 
nefs;  that  it  may  become  their  prayer  to  him 
alone,  for  flrength,  for  I  almoft  faint  at  times, 
becaufe  of  my  unfaithfulnefs  ;  giving  way  to  the 
fear  of  great'  men,  great  in  the  knowledge  of 
divine  things,Jooking  upon  them  to  know  more 
than  I  do  :  whereby  I  neglected  my  Matter's 
work,  to  my  forrow,  but  I  know  he  is  a  merci- 
ful God,  yet  how  could  I  difobey  fo  gracious  a 


C    5'    ) 

being,  and  neglect  to  do  his  work;  I  am  wounded 
within  me  for  fo  doing.  After  writing  the  fore- 
going and  acknowledging  my  reiniffhefs  to  his 
requirings,  I  found  my  mind  at  liberty  to  pro-< 
ceed  homewards.  And  taking  Shrewlbury 
meeting,  came  to  New  York  and  lodged  at 
Henry  Haydocks's,  and  next  day  attended  their 
meeting,  and  was  favoured  to  feel  the  love  of 
the  heavenly  Father:  then  attended  Purchafe 
.and  Shappaqua  meetings,  and  though  exceeding 
weak,  the  Lord  appeared  to  my  comfort;  praifes 
to  him,  who.giveth  ftrength.  in  weaknefs:  hav- 
hig  had  often  reafon  to  remember  the  goodnefs 
ef  God  in  this  journey,  how  I  was  brought  to" 
go,  and  cad  my  body  to  the  earth,  and  lay  my 
face  to  the  duft,  and  cry,  L'ord  thy  honour  I 
crave  more  than  any  other  thing,  and  let  my 
"honour  be  laid  in  the  dufl  for  ever,  and  oh  that 
it  may  fo  remain  with  me,  to  the  end  of  my  days. 
I  then  proceeded  to  Amawalk  and  Peachpond, 
and  had  two  favoured  meetings,  and  attended 
meetings  alfo  at  the  houfe  of  Mary  Shearman, 
and  at  Ofwego,  Nine  Partners  and  Oblong,  and 
the  firft-day  following  was  again  at  Oblong- 
meeting;  after  which  was  taken  very  ill,  having 
had  an  ague  fit  the  day  before.  While  here, 
two  Friends  from  Smithfield  having  accompanied 
John  Sleeper  to  this  place,  concluded  to  wait  a 
day  for  me,  and  being  a  little  recruited  I  fet  off 
with  them,  accompanied  by  Penelope  Hull,  and 
though  I  rode  in  much  weaknefs  of  body,  we 
reached  my  brother-in-law  Ezekiel  Cumftock's 
E  2 


C    5*    ) 

in  Smithiield,  having  rode  one  hundred  and 
twenty-eight  miles  in  three  days:  where  hear- 
ing my  youngeft  child  lay  very  fick,  next  morn- 
ing being  ayth  of  6th  month,  1772, 1  fet  oft',  and 
reached  my  habitation,  twenty-four  miles,  and 
found  my  hniband  very  poorly,  and  the  child  in 
fome  hopes  of  recovery,  but  it  proved  other  wife 
next  day,  and  twelve  days  after  I  got  home  it 
died. 

Oh  the  various  exercifes  my  fpirit  travailed 
through  in  this  weighty  work,  yet  the  Lord  de- 
livered me  through  them  all,  and  I  received  the 
anfwcr  of  peace:  praifes  to  him  alone,  in  his 
wifdom  he  overthrew  the  horfe  and  his  rider, 
that  proud  rider  that  fought  to  overthrow  Ifrael 
of  old,  it  labours-to  deftroy  in  all  ages.  The 
many  fufferings  I  went  through  in  this  journey, 
are  more  than  I  can  relate;  how  often  did  I 
tremble  until  my  joints  were  ready  to  fmite  to- 
gether, and  many  times  when  alone  I  laid  my 
body  upon  the  earth,  wich  my  face  to  the 
ground,  and  cried  to  the  Lord,  to  make  me  as 
low  in  all  things  relating  to  felf,  as  I  lay  then 
before  him;  but  he  was  pleafed  to  carry  me 
through,  and  1  fafely  returned  to  my  hufband 
and  children,  with  the  reward  of  peace  for  a 
feafon.  Oh  the  peace  I  received,  when  I  lay 
down  on  my  pillow,  and  when  I  arofe  there- 
from ;  may  I  never  grow  forgetful  how  this 
peace  was  purchafed. 


CHAPTER  II. 


Her  vlfit  to  Friends  in  Great- Britain  ami 
Ireland. 


H 


AVING  for  a  confiderable  time  h.id   it 

on  my  mind  to  make  a  religious  vifit  to 

Friends  in  Great-Britain  and  Ireland,  after' 
receiving  the  concurrence  of  my  friends,  and' 
their  certificates,  on  the  2pth  of  the  8th  nao. 
1783,  I  took  leave  of  my  dear  huiband  and 
children,  being  made  willing  to  part  with 
every  near  tie,  to  follow  the  lamb  witherfo- 
ever  he  leads  :  with  much  reverence  of  heart' 
I  left  home,  begging  that  the  Lord's  prcfence 
might  flay  with  them,  and  alfo  go  with  me. 
I  firft  went  to  New-London,  and  croffed  over 
to  Long  Ifland,  having  meetings  until  the  gth 
month;  then  parted  with  my  companions 
Deborah  and  Stephen  Slead,  and  the  fame 
day  met  with  David  Sands,  which  was  a  comfort 
to  me.  I  was  enabled  to  viiit  all  the  meetings:, 
on  the  Ifland,  and  then  proceeded  to  New-York, 
and  was  at  meeting  there :  from  thence  to 
Railway,  and  ftaid  from  fixth  to  fecond-day~ 
morning,  and  went  to  Shrewfbury,  where  I 
was  unwell :  went  from  thence  to  Squan,  and 
along  fhore  to  Haddonfield,  to  their  quarterly 
meeting :  after  which  went  to  Great  Egg- 
Harbour,  James  Creffen  and  Ann  Emlen  be- 
ing with  me;  we  returned  to  Philadelphia, 


(    54     ) 

fpent  a  little  time  in  having  meetings  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  city,  and  returned, 
\vhere  I  met  with  my  friend  Rebecca  Wright, 
of  CrorTwicks,  who  was  likewife  under  a  con- 
cern to  pay  a  religious  viiit  to  Europe.  We 
embarked  together  on  the  1 4th  of  the  1 2th 
month  on  board  the  brig  Elhvood.  William 
Hudgfon,  mafter,  bound  for  Dublin  ;  but  the 
wind  being  unfavourable,  we  did  not  fail  until 
the  1 8th.  Our  companions  in  the,  cabin  were 
only  two,  John  Hayworth  and  Martha  Mooney, 
who,  with  the  Captain,  were  all  of  our  So- 
ciety. The  weather  was  dark  and  cloudy,  fo 
that  our  profpeft  was  rather  gloomy,  under 
the  weight  whereof  my  mind  was  bowed  with 
reverent  awe,  with  the  thoughts  of  launching 
out  on  the  mighty  ocean  ;  but  believing  the 
Lord's  providential  care  is  over  all  his  works, 
the  fame  by  fea  as  by  land,  with  great  folem- 
nity  I  was  enabled  vocally  to  fupplicate  for 
prefervation,  both  on  my  own  behalf  and  thole 
around  me.  I  was  fea-fick,  but  was  able  to 
walk  about ;  the  captain  and  others  were  very 
kind  to  us,  but  flill  my  mind  was  cad  low,  by 
the  thoughts  of  my  own  unfitnefs  and  great 
poverty  to  undertake  fuch  a  journey  as  this 
before  us ;  indeed,  the  profpeft  of  fervice 
feemed  to  difappear,  and  no  ftrength  left  in 
me  to  open  my  mouth  any  more.  In  the 
night,  foon  after  our  coming  to  fea,  the  wind 
arofe  high,  at  which  I  got  up  and  went  to  my 
companion  j  my  mind  was  in  a  fliort  time 


C    55    ) 

melted  down  by  the  efficacious  power  of  Troth,, 
into  refignation  ;  and  a  frefh  refolution  formed 
to  be  more  faithful,  and  fubmit  to  the  holy 
requiring^  of  my  Mailer,  be  it  in  ever  fo 
fimple  or  broken  a  manner  ;  under  a  fenfe 
thereof,  it  caufed  me  to  kneel  down  by 
Rebecca's  bed-fide,  and  call  aloud  on  the  great 
name,  flVll  for  prefervation,  begging  for  thank- 
fulnefs  for  the  continuation  of  his  mercies  and 
long  forbearance  to  me  a  poor  unworthy  crea- 
ture. Bat  when  we  get  a  little  eafe,  nature 
is  apt  to- flinch,  and  get  back  again  to  the  centre- 
of  indulgence :  until  a  greater  dorm  and  con- 
trary wind  arofe,  the  victory  was  not  fufficiently 
gained  over  my  own  flubborn  will ;  however, 
it  brought  me  to  fearch  the  foundation  of  my 
coming,  and  to  look  back  on  the  ground  I  had 
been  building  upon ;  glad  would  the  enemy  of 
my  happinefs  have  been  to  open  his  mouth 
and  fwallow  me  up ;  but  the  Lord  did  not 
fuller  him  fo  to  prevail,  but  (tilled  my  mind 
when  I  had  to  remember  my  being  there,  was 
not  ia  my  own  will,  it  was  in  the  fear  and 
dread  of  the  living  God  ;  with  ftrong  cries 
that  I  may  in  future  truft,  love  and  fear  him 
above  the  friendfhip  of  men.  Oh  my  fpirit, 
how  did  it  long  to  be  like  one  of  the  two  fons 
formerly,  not  the  one  that  faid  he  would  go 
and  went  not.  I  wifh  to  become  more  paflive 
than  ever,  even  to  be  nailed  to  the  crofs  for 
Chrift's  fake. 
We  often  had  meetings  in  the  cabin,  where 


fome  of  the  fhip's  company  would  come  and 
fit  with  us;  Rebecca  was  fometimes  engaged 
in  teflimony  as  well  as  myfelf,  her's  was  at- 
tended with  power  and  a  life-giving  evidence, 
that  it  came  from  the  right  fpring;  but  be- 
fore we  got  on  fhore,  I  felt  a  concern  to  have 
an  opportunity  in  the  fhip  with  the  men  more 
at  large  than  we  had  done  before  :  it  was,  I 
truft,  a  feafon  of  favour  to  us  all,  however, 
the  refult  was  peace  to  my  mind. 

Through  the  courfe  of  our  voyage,  we  were 
often  alarmed  with  dangers,  as  the  weather 
wras  frequently  rough  and  (lormy ;  yet  amidft 
all,  we  felt  the  belt  fupport  and  mercifully  to 
preferve  us  fafe  to  land  in  Waterford,  2710  of 
ifl  mo.  1784.  As  the  wind  was  not  fair  for 
us  to  reach  Dublin,  our  "friend  W.  Penrofe 
foon  brought  down  a  carriage  to  the  paf- 
fage,  which  is  fix  miles  from  the  city,  and  took 
us  to  his  houfe,  where  we  were  hofpitably 
entertained  by  him  and  wife.  Both  my  com- 
panion and  myfelf  were  fo  unwell,  that  we 
made  a  little  (lop  before  we  proceeded  on  our 
journey ;  fo  vifited  fome  Friends  and  the  meet- 
*  ings  in  that  place.  We  have  thankfully  to 
acknowledge  our  f^ood  Mailer  was  not  forget- 
ful of  us,  graciouily  affording  ability  to  labour 
in  his  caufe,  for  which  let  my  foul  and  all  that 
is  within  me,  bow  in  humble  reverence. 

7th  of  ad  mo.  we  left  Waterford  accom- 
panied by  John  Davis,  his  brother  Samuel, 
and  fome  others,  and  proceeded  for  Clonnrell, 


(    57    ) 

the  dittance  being  about  twenty-five  mile1?,  and 
put  up  at  the  houfe  of  our  friend  Benjamin 
Grubb.  The  next  day,  being  firft  of  the 
week,  we  attended  their  two  meetings,  which 
were  pretty  large :  it  was  a  time  of  favour  and 
humiliation  for  the  Lord's  goodnefs,  which 
endureth  for  ever  !  how  matchlefs-is  his  kind- 
nefs  to  the  revolting  children,  driving  to  aroufe 
them  from  their  beds  of  cafe,  for  he  willeth 
not  the  death  of  a  Tinner,  but  that  all  fliould 
return,  repent,  and  live.  On  the  loth,  went 
in  the  evening  to  Garrirone,  twelve  miles,  and 
attended  their  week-day  meeting  :  I  was  filent, 
and  as  to  myfelf,  could  feel  but  little  true  life 
of  religion.  We  returned  again  to  Clonmell, 
and  flaid  over  their  province  (fix  weeks)  meet- 
ing, held  the  i4th  and  151!!  inftant.  Here 
we  met  with  our  dear  friend  William  Matthews, 
from  America,  on  a  religous  vifit.  - 

From  Clonmell  we  proceeded  towards  Cork, 
but  took  Garrirone  meeting  again  in  our  way, 
which  was  more  open  than  before.  We  ar- 
rived at  our  worthy  friend  Samuel  Neat's,  the 
j  gth,  about  a  mile  from  Cork :  my  companion 
being  unwell,  did  not  go  with  roe  ;  it  was  a 
comfortable  filent  meeting.  The  22d,  being 
firft-day,  we  both  attended  meeting,  and  I 
truft,  were  enabled  to  labour  honeflly  accord- 
ing to  our  meafure.  In  the  evening  we  had  a 
feafon  of  retirement  at  our  before-mentioned 
friend's  houfe  :  it  was  the  ufual  practice  on- 
tiiofe  days,  in  his  family,  wbere  many  young 


(    5*    ) 

people  reforted  inflead  of  fpending  their  time 
iinprofitably.  The  next  day  I  felt  a  draft  to 
go  to  Bandon,  about  twelve  miles ;  and  as  my 
companion  continued  unwell,  Mary  Davis  (a 
young  woman  from  England  on  a  vifit  to  her 
friends)  went  with  me,  and  many  other 
friends  :  public  notice  was  given  to  the  town's 
people,  and  the  meeting  began  towards  even- 
ing, and  was  pretty  large,  but  a  hard  time  of 
labour,  the  minds  of  the  people  feeming  tin* 
fettled.  We  got  back  to  Cork  next  day  fea- 
fonably  for  meeting. 

2d  mo.  26th,  proceeded  for  Yaughall,  about 
twenty-four  miles,  and  had  a  meeting  there 
the  day  following ;  it  was  to  me  a  precious 
time,  but  I  defire  ever  to  eileem  myfelf  as  poor 
and  empty,  giving  the  praife  to  the  Lord  to 
whom  it  is  due,  and  not  to  rrranv  We  got 
back  again  to  Cork,  and  fpent  firft-day  pretty 
much  as  the  former.  Second-day  being  the 
firfl  of  the  3d  month,  called  on  a  few  Friends 
in  the  city  that  were  confined  to  their  houfes  : 
Samuel  Neal  accompanied  and  was  a  ftrengtlv 
to  us.  The-  next  morning  we  went  to  meet- 
ing, where  I  was  defirous  of  doing  no  harm, 
and  through  fear  fat  the  meeting  filent  ;  but 
after  the  men  and  women  feparated,  it  being 
their  three  weeks  meeting  for  difcipline,  I  was 
largely  engaged  in  teftimony,  and  the  Lord 
was  pleafed  to  water  his  heritage,  to  the  com- 
fort of  rny  drooping  fpirit;  We  dined  at 
Richard  Abel's,  and  had.  a  little  fitting  in  the- 


(     59     ) 

family,  tmd  then  came  back  to  our  lodgings. 
The  next  day  we  fpent  at  Samuel  Neal's,  where 
fome  Friends  came  in  the  evening,  and  we  had 
a  comfortable  time  together. 

The  next  morning  we  took  leave  of  our 
kind  friends,  and  attended  by  our  guides,  rode 
twenty-eight  miles  and  lodged  at  Charlevill. 
The  day  following,  got  to  Thomas  Mark's, 
and  had  a  little  fitting  that  evening  in  the 
family.  On  the  yth  of  ^d  month,  made  an 
agreeable  vifit  to  a  young  woman  who  was 
fick  ;  but  in  a  comfortable  frame  of  mind  :  be- 
ing firfl  of  the  week  attended  both  meetings, 
which  for  the  inoft  part  were  laborious,  al- 
though the  bed  help  was  mercifully  near,  and 
gave  freili  ability  to  difcharge  what  lay  on  my 
mind,  which  together  with  a  favoured  open 
opportunity,  in  the  family  that  evening,  I  hope 
will  not  foon  be  forgotten.  At  this  city  we 
parted  with  Jofeph  Hattcn,  who  accompanied 
us  to  every  meeting  in  the  province  of  Munft-er, 
except  Waterford  ;  he  returned  home  to  Cork, 
and  we  proceeded  towards  Roffcrea,  and  rode 
thirty-four  miles  to  the  houfe  of  John  Pirn. 

3<i  month  9th,  had  a  meeting  at  Roffcrea  ; 
my  companion  was  much  favoured,  and  the 
meeting  ended  well.  loth,  we  went  to  the 
houfe  of  John  Wily,  about  eight  miles  diftant, 
and  had  a  religious  opportunity  in  the  family. 
It  is  pleafant  to  be  faithful,'  and  I  rejoice  when 
there  is  no  caufe  of  reproof;  but  had  rather 
there  may  be  a  finging  of  praifes  for  the  many 


C    60    ) 

deliverances  afforded  us,  for  had  not  the  Lord 
taken  fome  of  us,  as  by  the  hand,  what  would 
have  been  our  portion. 

3d  month  nth,  we  had  a  meeting  at  Rul- 
linellmore  and  Birr.     On  the   i4th  attended 
a   meeting    at   Nockballimar,    and    went    to 
Elizabeth  Warpool's,  and  had  a  comfortable 
time  in  the  family :   after  I   got  to  bed,  the 
enemy  of  my  foul's  happinefs  was   ready  to 
overwhelm  me,  but  my  good  Mailer  did  mar- 
Yelloufly  fhew  me,  that  in  his  word  of  truth 
there  is  fafety  for  ever ;  blelTcd  be  his  holy 
name !  The  next  day  being  firfl  of  the  week, 
we  went  to  Montrath,  where  truth  owned  us. 
Thence  we   went  to  Mount  Melick,    had  a 
meeting,  and  fitting  in  a  family.      Then    to 
Tulkimore,  had  a  meeting  at  Jofeph  Manlip's, 
and  lodged  at  Moat ;  I  was  unwell,  but  the 
Lord   was  good,   and   comforted   me   beyond 
what  I  can  relate,  with  fuch  peace  of  mind  and 
refignation  of  will,  that  it  made  all  things  eafy, 
as  David  faid,  "  the  Lord  made  my  bed  in  fick- 
nefs."    21  ft,    we   went   to  meeting  at  Moat, 
both  morning  and   afternoon,   it  was    trying, 
and  religion  low  ;  but  I  hope  truth  is  gaining 
ground.     Thence  to  Ballyinurry,  had  a  meet- 
ing, and  returned  to  Moat  on  the  23d,  where 
I  was  much  unwell,  and  brought  to   a  clofe 
fearching  of  heart,  which  made  me  more  wil- 
ling to  give  up  to  truth's  openings:  I  believe 
it  was  for  the  confirmation  of  my  faith,  being 
in  a  doubtful  flate,  ready  to  fink  below  hope  j 


6i 


the  hand  of  aflli&ion  is  often  turned  upon  us 
for  good.  We  attended  the  week-day  meeting 
at  Moat,  and  fome  opennefs  appeared  ;  yet  for 
the  mod  part  darknefs  fo  covered  the  meeting, 
that  it  was  hard  to  get  down  to  the  fpring  of 
life. 

My  health  getting  better,  we  went  to  meeting 
at  Edenderry,  and  a  precious  watering  feafon 
it  proved,  to  the  comforting  of  the  weary  fouls, 
and  I  hope  to  the  awakening  of  the  lukewarm, 
and  ftirring  up  the  youth  j  I  defire  to  be  hum- 
bly thankful  and  give  the  Lord  the  glory.  We 
went  to  Sarah  Neal's,  and  had  a  good  meet- 
ing ;  my  companion  was  much  favoured  :  we 
had  alfo  a  comfortable  fitting  in  the  widow  S. 
Neal's  family.  From  thence  to  Ballitore  to  the 
houfe  of  Richard  Shackleton,  and  had  a  meet- 
ing in  this  place  ;  then  to  Athy,  Cattle  Dertnot, 
Carlow,  New-Rox,  and  had  meetings. 

4th  month  4th,  was  at  a  firft-day  meeting  at 
Horetown,  from  thence  to  Wexford  and 
Ranburn  Mills,  where  we  had  a  meeting,  and 
a  good  time,  moftly  iilent  ;  here  my  mind  was 
comforted.  We  got  to  Cooladine,  and  had  a 
meeting  ;  I  was  filent,  but  inwardly  comforted 
in  believing  the  Lord  would  teach  his  people 
himfelf.  Then  to  Ballington,  where  I  thought 
truth  reigned  and  gained  the  victory  ;  but  I 
was  favoured  to  fee  the  danger  of  being  lifted 
up.  At  our  firft  landing,  the  fpring  of  the 
gofpel  flowed  freely,  and  defires  were  raifed 
that  I  might  know  the  proper  time  of  flopping, 


I  62  ) 

and  be  preferved  from  running  before  my 
guide,  and  kindling  a  falfe  fire  among  the 
people,  i  ith  was  at  meeting  at  Ballincane  ; 
1 3th  got  to  the  houfe  of  Jofeph  Williams,  in 
Dublin.  i4th  went  to  meeting  there,  and 
met  with  William  Matthews  to  our  comfort. 
1 5th  employed  our  time  in  writing  a»d  vifiting 
fome  fick  Friends.  i6th  attended  meeting : 
I  faw  my  unfitnefs  for  fo  great  a  work  as  pro- 
moting the  glorious  caufe  of "  truth  on  earth  ; 
but  the  divine  arm  was  underneath  for  my 
fupport, — Staid  to  their  firft-day  meetings.  On 
the  i9th  and  2oth  went  to  Stramore,  where  we 
tarried  until  the  25th  attending  divers  meetings, 
aiio  their  quarterly  meeting,  in  fome  of  which 
truth  prevailed,  to  the  tendering  many  minds  ; 
here  we  met  with  John  Pemberton,  who  had 
tcit  a  concern  to  have  fome  meetings  with  thole 
not  of  our  fociety ;  rayfelf  and  companion  felt 
a  liberty  to  go  with  him,  and  a  precious  feafon 
it  was,  and,  the -people  were  civil.  We  went 
to  the  jail,  and  found  a  confiderable  number  of 
priloners,  three  of  whom  were  under  fentence 
of  death.  In  the  evening  had  a  meeting  with 
the  Prefbyterians  in  their  houfe,  and  returned 
to  lodging  at  Deborah  Chrifty's. 

From  thence, -after  attending  fcveral  meet- 
ings, we  returned  to  Dubljn,  and  were  at  their 
week-day  mceiing,  and  at  the  meeting  of 
minivers  and  elders,  preceding  their  half-year's 
meeting.  After  which  had  an  open  time  at  a 
Friend's  houfe,  and  returned  to  our  lodgings 


(    63    ) 

at  Jofeph  Williams's,  where  we  had  a  com- 
fortable opportunity.  4th  and  5th  were  meet- 
ings for  difcipline,  wherein  I  defired  to  dwell 
near  to  that  which  would  preferve  me  from 
doing  any  harm  to  the  lead  babe  in  the  flock 
or  family.  I  thought  the  laft  a  folid  meeting, 
and  ended  well.  After  continuing  in  this  city 
and  attending  divers  meetings  adjacent,  where- 
in, though  often  tried  and  deeply  exercifed, 
which  caufed  me  to  go  mourning  on  my  way  ; 
yet  at  feafons,  the  Shepherd  of  Ifrael  was 
pleafed  to  arife  for  our  help,  to  turn  the  water 
into  wine.  Oh  !  the  many  bleffings  that  are 
bellowed  upon  me,  for  fuch  was  my  peace  that 
neither  florms  within  or  without,  could  affe& 
me,  as  my  dependence  was  upon  the  Lord, 
alone,  who  through  every  difficult  path  makes 

' 


r, 
for  Liverpool,  where-we  landed 
the  22d  of  the  5th  mo.  after  a  plealaut  panW, 
having  the  company  of  a  confiderable  number 
ot  friends  bound  to  London  yearly  meeting  - 
attended  their  fir  ft  day  meeting  on  the  23d' 
and  on  fecond-day  fet  out  in  a  ftage-  coach  for 
London,  having  William  Matthews  with  us  ; 
and  arrived  there  on  the  27th,  lodged  at  John 
Lifter's,  went  to  Graceclmrch-ftreet  meeting, 
which  was  very  large  ;  after  which  heard  that 
our  dear  friends  Thomas  Rofs,  Samuel  Emlcn, 
Mehitable  Jenkins,  Rebecca  Jones,  George 
Dillwyn,  and  wife,  had  arrived.  Attended  the 


F  2 


meeting  of  minifters  and  elders,  and  was  again 
at   Gracechurch-flreet  ,    but   forrow  of  heart 
was  my  portion,  and  fuch  was   my  heavinefs 
that  I  kept  no  account  from  the  laft  day  of  the 
5th  month  until  the   icth  of  the  6th  month  ; 
but  I  hope  to  learn  patience.     Attended  Tot- 
tenham  meeting,    and   returned   to    the  city, 
from    whence    I   went    with    our   friend    M. 
Jenkins,  on  the  i^th,  to  Wel-lingborough,  and 
Itaid  to  two  meetings  there,  which  were  open 
uniting  feafons.      From    thence   to    Leicester, 
Lafsborough  and  Nottingham,  where  J  lodged 
at  J.  Storer's,  who  has  been  twice  in  our  land. 
Thence  to  Mansfield,  Chefterfield  and  Sheffield, 
molt  of   which  were  feafons  of  refrefhment. 
2  ift  fet  out  for  Ack  worth,  and  lodged  there. 
J^-om  thence  to  York,  and  lodged  at  William 


ae  -herein 

many  truths  w^--  opened  to  our  fatisfaftion  ; 
Nicholas  was  much  favoured  in  teftimony, 
which  was  caufe  of  thankfulnefs  to  our  great 
Mafter.  Oh  !  may  we  be  kept  in  a  watchful 
ftate,  humbly  dependant  on  him.  Attended 
a  marriage  at  Thornton  in  the  Clay,  and  was 
at  their  firil-day  meetings,  the  firft  an  opea 
favoured  time;  returned  to  York,  Attended 
one  meeting,  and  from  thence  went  to  ThirJk, 
Northallerton,  Darlington,  and  to  a  quarterly 
meeting  at  Durham,  which  proved  fatisfaftory 
to  me.  From  thence  to  Sutherland  and  North 
Shields.  My  fpirit  became  much  exercifed  to 


(    65    ) 

go  to  London,  and  I'  defire  to  be  faithful  to 
divine  requiring?. 

The  i  ith  of  yth  mo.  attended  a  meeting  at 
Ne\vca(l!e  upon  Tyne,  to  fatisfaftion.  Next 
morning  parted  "with  my  companion  Mehitable 
Jenkins  and  I  returned  to  York,  and  attended 
a  meeting  there,  wherein  I  was  defirous  to  be 
made  as  clay  in- the  hand  of  the  potter,  wil- 
ling to  be  famioned  as  the  great  Mailer  would 
have  me  to  be.  From  this  place,  in  company 
with  Ann  Awnuick,  I  took  coach  for  London, 
and  arrived  there  th-e  171!!,  where  I  continued 
until  the  22d  of  the  8th  mo.  attending  the 
feveral  meetings  in  that  city  ;  but  moftly  that 
of  'Gracechurch-ftreet,  where  I  was  made  wil- 
ling to  bow  the  knee  in  reverent  fupplication, 
and  could  fay,  that  for  the  fpirit  of  heavinefs 
I  had  the  garment  of  praife,  and  the  oil  of  joy 
for  mourning.  Then  I  returned  to-  my  lodg- 
ings, rejoicing  and  healed  :  oh,  what  care 
there  needs  on  every  hand,  to  keep  an  eye 
fingle  to  the  pointings  of  truth,  that  we  may 
know  the  right  place  to  flop,  as  well  as  that 
of  going  forth  ;  but  for  the  many  deliverances 
and'prefervations  I  have  experienced,  I  defire 
to  give  Gccl  the  glory,  and  may  he  be  gra- 
cioully  pieafed  to  arife  for  my  help,  to  make 
b  ire  his  arm  for  my.  fupport,  for  I  defire  to 
truil  in  no  other  helper  but  him,  on  whom  my 
falvation  depends.  Oh,  that  I  may  bring  no 
dilhonour  on  the  precious  caufe  of  truth,  for 
I  can  fay,  without  deception,  this  is  win:  I 
F  3 


(     66     ) 

lomg  for — for  the  life  is  more  than  meat,  and 
the  body  more  than  raiment;  may  I  patiently 
endure  the  crofs,  and  not  call  it  grievous,  but 
delight  in  baptifms,  for  they  humble  the  foul, 
and  keep  it  low  by  the  dill  waters,  where  I  may 
hear  the  Lord's  voice  intelligibly  fpeak,  to  do 
this  and  live:  I  can  fay  the  Lord  is  good  to  all 
them  that  feek  him,  blefied  be  his  name.  I  de- 
fire  to  ferve  him  in  all  his  requirings,  for  indeed 
it  is  worth  coming  over  the  ocean  for;  they 
that  forfake  all,  are  to  receive  in  this  world  an 
hundred  fold,  and  in  that  which  is  to  come, 
eternal  life;  may  I  therefore  keep  a  fteady  eye 
to  the  Great  Helper,  for  it  is  of  his  mercy  that 
we  are  prefer ved. 

On  the  Z2d  of  8th  month,  in  company  with 
feveral  Friends,  fet  out  for  Uxbridge,  and  had 
a  precious  meeting  there,  my  poor  foul  being 
greatly  comforted  in  beholding  the  condefcen- 
fion  of  the  Lord  to  fo  poor  and  unworthy  a 
creature;  may  I  be  truly  given  up  to  do  his  will 
without  referve,  labouring  in  the  ability  af- 
forded, in  remembrance  of  his  mercy  to  my 
foul;  to  perfuade  mankind  to  turn  to  the  Great 
Healer  of  men,  and  be  healed  of  their  infirmi- 
ties. My  mind  was  much  affefted  this  after- 
noon at  parting  with  our  friend  John  Townfend, 
who  has  been  with  us,  and  as  a  tender  father 
to  me.  We  vifited  two  Friends  who  had  been, 
unwell,  and  had  a  comfortable  opportunity. 
The  day  ended  to  my  fatistaftion;*  bleffed  be 
his  name  who  Hill  continues  to  be  the  help  of 


(    6?     ) 

his  people.  From  thence  we  went  to  Rich- 
manfworth,  where  the  meeting  is  held  at  a 
widow's  houfe,  and  we  were  mercifully  fup- 
ported,  and  carried  through  well:  oh.  that  I 
may  dwell  near  that  good  hand  that  is  able  to 
deliver  and  help  in  every  needful  time.  From 
thence  to  Staines,  Windfor,  Maidenhead,  Amer- 
Iham,  Chemam,  Wickham,  Henley,  Shilling- 
ford,  Aylefbury,  Hogfty,  Sherington,  Nafli, 
Jackmore,  Sibford,  Hooknorton,  Adderbury, 
South  Newton,  Banbury  and  Shipton;  moft  of 
which  were  open  tendering  meetings,  which  I 
hope  to  be  humbly  thankful  to  the  Lord  for; 
it  has  been  a  clofe  baptizing  feafon,  which  dip- 
ped my  four  into  great  doubts  and  fufpicions  of 
my  commiflion ;  the  jealoufy  I  felt,  left  any  thing 
of  felf  fhould  be  fuffered  to  arife,  and  the  folici- 
tude  that  I  might  be  healed  from  all  my  infir- 
mities, that  I  might  be  preferved  on  every  hand, 
neither  giving  "way  to  the  difcouragements  which 
my  enemy  is  often  preienting,  to  prevent  me 
from  doing  my  duty,  or  to.  be  exalted  when 
favoured  to  perform  what  is  required  acceptably 
to  my  fellow-creatures,  the  praife  of  man,  as 
well  as  the  fear^  having  a  mare  with  it:  my 
cup  overflows  in  feeing  the  care  of  the  Lord  to 
me  at  this  time,  more  than  I  can  .exprefs;  when 
I  began  I  felt  fo  low  that  I  could  fcarcely  write 
the  account  of  the  meetings,  but  I  am  brought 
once  more  to  fpeak  of  his  goodnefs. 

9th  month,  i2th,  went  to  Shipton,  and  at- 
tended a  feleft  meeting  in  the  afternoon,  and  a 


(     68     > 

circular  meeting  held  at  that  place;  my  foul 
was  bowed  in  humble  thankiulnefs,  as  at  the 
gate  of  Divine  \Yifdom,  for  his  great  condefcen- 
lion,  having  been  favoured  once  more  to  praife 
his  excellent  name,  as  on  the  banks  of  deliver- 
ance., after  a  fealbn  of  trial.  From  thence  at- 
tended meetings  at  Beccles,  Raclway,  Warwick, 
Hartfliill,  Polefworth  and  Hinckley;  fome  of 
which  were  favoured  feafons,  with  divers  oppor- 
tuniiies  we  had  in  Friends'  families.  2  ;d,  rode 
fourteen  miles  to  Leicefter,  and  was  fo  overcome 
that  I  apprehended  I  mould  be  fick,  But  fo  far 
recovered  as  to  attend  the  fele£t  meeting,  and 
the  next  day  their  quarterly  meeting.  25th, 
returned  to  London,  attended  the  morning 
meeting,  and  met  my  beloved  friends  Thomas 
Rofs,  Samuel  Emlen  and  George  Uilhvyn, 
greatly  to  my  comfort,  having  divers  refreihing 
ieafons  with  them  in  this  place. 

9th  month,  26th,  firfl-day  of  the  week,  at- 
tended a  meeting  at  Coventry,  which  was  a  pro- 
fitable feafon  to  me.  Went  in  the  evening  to  a 
feledt  meeting  at  Warwick,  and  the  next  day  to 
their  quarterly  meeting,  which  proved  a  tender- 
ing opportunity;  after  which  went  to  Shiptonr 
Long  Compton,  and  Chippington,  and  viiited 
fome  families  in  this  town,  wherein  I  thought 
the  little  dreams  increafed  to  broad  rivers,  and  I 
retired  to  bed  with  an  humble  fenfe  of  my  own 
weaknefles,  and  the  manifold  mercies  of  him  who 
knows  .belt  how  to  deal  with  his  poor  creatures, 
and  has  (hewed  me,  that  my  dipping  and  pv 


feafons  are  only  to  prepare  me  for  his  own 
blefled  work;  may  I  therefore  bow  in  humble 
fubmiilion,  to  every  difpenfation  he  may  be 
pleafcd  to  allot,  though  the  floods  of  difcourage- 
ment  may  at  feafons  rife  high.  From  thence 
went  to  Campden  and  Evefham,  attended  the 
feleft  quarterly  meeting,  and  I  hope  truth  did 
not  lofe  ground.  I  felt  a  necefllty  to  make  a 
Hop  in  this  place,  and  vifit  the  families,  which 
though  much  in  the  crofs,  I  fubmitted  to,  and 
found  great  peace.  loth  month,  loth,  at- 
tended meeting  again  at  this  place ;  and  feeling 
at  liberty,  went  to  Cirencefter,  and  on  the  n:h 
had  a  meeting.  From  thence  to  Cheltenham, 
Painfwick,  Nailfworth,  Sedbury,  Thornbury, 
Ovelftene^rench^^^^ 

Some  of  the  above  named  meetings  were  fa- 
voured feafons,  and  my  foul  was  often  folaced 
with  the  fweet  incomes  of  divine  love,  for  obe- 
dience to  his  requirings,  though  the  enemy  of 
my  foul  was  fuifered  to  buffet  and  caft  down, 
which  I  have  believed  was  to  keep  me  humble, 
that  no  felf  exaltation  might  arife,  and  fruftrate 
the  work  which  Infinite  Wifdora  hath  feen  meet 
to  appoint:  and  O!  that  all  thofe  who  are  tra- 
velling in  the  fame  way,  may  put  their  whole 
trull  and  confidence  in  him,  the  never  failing 
helper  of  his  people,  not  giving  way  on  the 
right  hand,  or  on  the  left;  but  watch  with  all 
diligence,  that  fo  they  may  be  preferved  in  an 
humble  dependance  upon  the  Lord  alone,  who 


(    70     ) 

can  make  a  way  for  his  ranfomed  ones,  where 
no  way  appears;  for  furely,  I  (hould  have  funk 
had  not  lit  many  times  made  bare  his  arm  for 
my  help ;  bleiTed  and  -magnified  be  his  adorable 
name.  Staid  fever-al  meetings  at  Briftol,  from 
thence  went  to  Kingfxveaon,  returned  to  Briftol, 
and  on  the  31(1  of  loth  month  went  to  Clarutn 
meeting,  and  had  a  precious  parting  opportu- 
nity, with  divers  dear  Friends,  who  gave  us 
their  company  from  Briilol;  (laid  at  their 
monthly  meeting  the  next  day,  then  went  to 
Sidcoll,  Bridgewater,  Taunton,  Milverton  and 
Minehead;  the  lad  is  a  folitary  fpot,  but  two 
members  of  our  fociety  in  the  place,  except 
Robert  Davis's  family ;  I  felt  much  concern 

with  divine  aid,"  and  nexiti8Wirgr&&V™^ 
fortable  opportunity  at  parting. 

1 1  tli  month,  1 9th,  attended  a  meeting 
at  Willington.  From  thence  to  Uffculme, 
Collumpton,  Exeter,  Newton  and  Kingibridge, 
and  vifited  about  twelve  families  of  Friends. — 
Firft  of  the  week,  2  ift  of  i  ith  month,  went  to 
meeting  at  Plymouth,  and  to  one  that  evening 
at  Loe;  from  thence  to  Germans,  Le/keard, 
Auftell,  Meragiffey,  Penrin,  Falmouth,  Landf- 
end,  Marazion,  and  Redruth ;  here  we  retted 
one  day  with  our  kind  friends  William  and 
Katherine  Phillips;  and  then  proceeded  to 
-Truro  and  Wadebridge,  and  after  two  days 
journey  reached  Wellington,  12th  of  i2th  mo. 
and  had  a  precious  meeting  in  filence,  I  thought 


(    7'    ) 

as  much  fo  as  ever  I  was  fenfible  of.  Proceeded 
to  Taunton  monthly  meeting ;  from  thence  to 
Bridgewater  quarterly  meeting,  and  to  Ilminfter, 
Yeoval,  Petherton,  Grenton,  Glaftonbury, 
Hallfrow,  Chewmagre,  Poterhead  and  Briftol. 
id  month,  2d,  1785,  was  too  unwell  to  attend 
their  firft-day  meeting,  and  was  confined  feveral 
clays;  but  was  greatly  favoured  with  a  contented 
mind,  witneffing  hard  things  to  be  made  eafy, 
and  bitter  things  fweet.  ift  month,  gt\\9  being 
pretty  well  recovered,  attended  divers  meetings 
in  that  place,  one  of  which  was  among  the  pri- 
foners;  the  pried  feemed  kindly  difpofed  towards 
us,  and  thanked  us  for  our  vifit  to  thofe  con- 
fined people,  that  had  broken  the  law  both  of 
God  and  man;  he  dined  with  us  and  converted 
on  religious  fubjecls,  by  which  we  found  he 
was  concerned  to  have  a  fchool  for  the  educa- 
tion of  poor  children;  believing  that  if  there 
\vas  more  labour  that  way,  it  would  be  a  means 
of  preferring  many  from  grofs  evils,  by  which 
they  were  often  brought  to  an  'untimely  end— 
deiires  were  raised  in  my  heart  for  this  man, 
that  the  Lord  might  make  him  a  good  fhepherd 
over  his  flock;  for  if  righteoufnefs  does  but 
prerail,  if  we  can  but  find  the  marks  of  true 
difciplefhip,  and  feel  that  there  is  an  -iinereft  in 
the  kingdom  of  heaven,  it  matters  not  what  the 
name  to  religion  may  be,  with  him  who  has 
promifed,  "  That  he  will  gather  all  nations, 
and  they  (hall  come  to  fee  his  glory."  We  alfo 
went  to  fee  the  poor  people  at  the  work-houfe, 


(    7*    ) 

which  was  a  favoured  feafon.  The  next  day 
attended  meeting,  which  proved  a  good  time, 
for  ail  which  favours  I  defire  to  be  humbly 
thankful,  and  10  lay  as  with  my  mouth  in  the 
duft,  acknowledging  that  it  is  the  Lord's  doings 
and  marvellous  in  mine  eyes,  who  has  not  been 
wanting  to  perform  his  gracious  promifes  to  me, 
in  a  ftrange  land. 

Firft-dayof  the  week,  i6th  of  ill  month,  went 
to  Olverfton  meeting  and  Thornbury,  in  the 
afternoon  ;  from  thence  to  Tewkefbury,  Wor- 
celler,  Alcefter,  Birmingham,  Dudley,  Stour- 
bridge,  Tamwdrth,  Uttoxeter,  Stafford,  Leek, 
Macclesfield,  Stocport,  Morley,  Middlewich, 
Frandley,  Newton,  Sutton,  Chefler,  Nampt- 
wich,  and  New  Dale,  and  ift  of  week,  2d  month 
«7th,  were  at  Old-Dale,  and  lodged  at  Samuel 
Darby's;  Abiah  Darby,  their  ancient  mother,  a 
valuable  woman,  was  poorly.  Many  of  the  above 
named  meetings  were  open  favoured  feafons, 
though  deep  baptifms,  and  poverty  were  often 
allotted ;  yet  1  have  abundant  caufe  to  bow  low, 
in  thankful  acknowledgment  unto  him,  who 
hath  indeed  dealt  bountifully  with  me,  though 
I  have,  at  times,  feared  I  mould  take  my  flight 
as  on  the  Sabbath-day.  Tarried  at  Dale  feve- 
ral  days,  attending  meetings,  and  vifiting  fome 
who  were  fick  and  advanced  in  age;  it  was 
hard  parting  with  fome  in  this  place,  for  whom 
I  felt  very  defirous,  that  they  might  be  gathered 
to  the  fountain  and  fource  of  eternal  excellency; 
that  fo  they  may  wimefs  prefervation  through 


(    73     ) 

flic  tabulated  path,  which  the  righteous  in  all 
generations  have  hud  to  walk  in.  Went  from 
thence  to  Shrewfbury,  where  we  had  a  precious 
feafon,  and  after  the  meeting  an  uniting  oppor- 
tunity: then  parted  \vith  Deborah  Darby,  a 
fweet  fpirited  woman,  to  whom  my  he^art  was 
nearly  united.  Went  to  Leominfter,  and  on 
the  firft-day  of  the  w^ek,  13111  of  3d  month, 
attended  meeting,  and  it  proved  a  laborious  day. 
From  thence  to  Almely,  Brocmyard,  Rofs, 
Pontipool,  and  Cardiff,  at  which  laft  there  were 
but  two  members;  but  a  number  of  people 
came  in,  and  we  had  a  good  meeting.  We  had 
the  company  of  Jofeph  Coal  with  us,  who  hav- 
ing a  gift  in  the  miniftry,  was  a  true  helper  to 
me.  Was  at  a  meeting  at  Swan  fey,  which  was 
an  open  feafon.  At  dinner  my  mouth  was 
opened  in  fupplication;  for  yielding  obedience 
thereunto,  though  often  greatly  in  the  crofs, 
my  mind  was  repleniflied  with  inward  joy,  re- 
warding me  for  leaving  all  to  follow  him. 
After  attending  a  meeting  at  Neath,  fet  off  for 
Haverford  Weft,  were  at  their  firft-day  meet- 
ing, 2/th  of  3d  month,  and  refting  one  dayw 
rode  to  Carmarthen,  and  had  a  meeting  in  the 
evening,  which  was  very  large,  and  I  enjoyed 
great  peace  of  mind:  as  my  trials  were  great, 
fo  was  my  peace,  for  it  flowed  like  a  river. 
From  thence  to  New-Houfe,  Pales,  and 
Llanidlos  ;  at  this  lail  place  I  was  much  exer- 
cifed  about  having  a  public  meeting,  and  gave 
up  fo  far  as  to  impart  it  to  my  companion,  who 
G 


(     74     ) 

manifefted  her  unity,  and  we  had  one  with 
Friends  in  the  forenoon,  and  another  in  the 
evening  in  the  town-hall;  after  which  went  to 
Y/kirgoch,  and  from  thence  rode  over  the  high 
mountain,  lodged  at  an  inn,  and  was  much  ex* 
ercifed  on  account  of  having  a  meeting  here, 
the  people  not  uoderilanding  Englifh,  I  left  the 
place  heavily,  and  went  to  Tyrhun-y-Garreg, 
and  lodged  at.  Dorothy  Owen's,  a  valuable 
Friend,  and  fat  with  the  few  Friends  there. 
Then  refted  one  day,  wherein  my  mind  was 
deeply  affected  with  an  apprehenfion  that  [ 
muft  fubmit  to  have  fonie  meetings  with  thofe 
not  of  our  fociety ;  and  I  felt  the  woe,  if  I  gave 
not  up  thereto,  and  was  brought  into  a  great 
(trait,  as  I  could  not  fpeak  their  language,  and 
had  no  interpreter;  but  while  fitting  under 
this  exercile,  a  perfon  knocked  at  the  door,  and 
it  fprang  in  my  heart  there  is  one  come  for  my 
relief,  and  To  it  proved  to  my  furprife,  it  being 
John  Lewis;  thus  again  the  Almighty  made 
way  for  me,  to  my  humbling  admiration,  pniikd 
be  his  name, 

Attended  a  meeting  at  Tythun-y-Garreg  in 
the  forenoon,  and  one  in  the  afternoon  at 
Dallygelly;  next  day  atLhvyndu:  from  thence 
to  Barir.outb  and  Bola.  In  going  to  fome  of 
thofe  places  we  rode  by  the  fca-fide  on  one 
hand,  and  a  mountain  on  the  other,  \vHich 
looktd  awful,  for  ru.d  our  hordes  taken  fright, 
we  fhould  have  been  in  great  danger;  bin  the 
Lord  was  our  prcferver  and  we  got  well  through, 


(    75    ) 

which  caiifed  me  to  rejoice  in  fear,  and  to  be 
glad  with  trembling.  Returned  to  Dollygelly, 
where  we  viilted  the  prifoners;  one  man  was 
under  condemnation  to  be  executed  in  about 
two  weeks — O,  that  mankind  would  take 
warning  by  fuch  aftecling  inftances,  and  turn 
from  the  evil  of  their  ways.  We  went  to 
Manhunluth,  where  was  a  quarterly  meeting 
to  be  held  at  an  inn,  there  being  no  Friends  at 
that  place;  we  had  a  public  meeting  in  the 
.town-hall.  From  thence  went  to  Aberhurft,  to 
the  Welch  yearly  meeting,  which  was  large, 
and  an  exercife  was  again  revived  in  my  mind, 
to  have  fome  meetings  with  thofe  of  other  fo- 
cieties;  accordingly  we  had  one  appointed  at 
Mahunluth  in  the  town-hall,  at  Kennys,  Dinaf- 
mouthy,  and  Llonbremain,all  held  in  the  ftreet, 
and  proved  good  open  opportunities.  Lodged 
at  an  inn,  where  the  people  were  very  tender 
and  loving.  We  alfo  had  meetings  at  Rayador, 
Baile,  Llandovery,  Brecknock,  Llanelly,  Pon- 
tipool  and  Abergavenny;  moil  of  which  were 
held  at  inns  or  public  buildings,  and  were  to 
fotisfaftion. 

5th  month  8th,  were  at  their  meetings  at 
Rofs,  it  being  firfl-day,  from  thence  rode  thirty 
miles  to  Cirencefter;  the  next  day  forty  miles 
to  Shillingford,  and  fourteen  next  morning  to 
a  meeting  at  Hinby.  Got  to  Staines  that  even- 
ing, and  heard  that  our  friends  S.  Emlen, 
G.  Dillwyn,  and  -C.  Phillips  were  got  to  town. 
The  next  day,  attended  meeting  at  Staines  j  after 
G  2 


which  rode  eighteen  miles  to  London,  and  went 
toourold  lodgings  at  JohnTownfend's;  attended 
Grace-church-ftrect  meeting;  and  on  the  day 
following,  which  was  feventh-day,  was  the 
iclect  yearly  meeting,  and  there  I  met  our 
American  friends  T.  Rofs,  J.  Pemberton, 
M.  Jenkins,  W.  Matthews,  R.  Jones  and 
R.  Wright;  attended  the  feveral  fittings  of  the 
firfl  yearly  meeting  of  women  Friends  held  in 
this  nation,  fome  of  which  were  favoured  fea- 
fons.  2:d  of  5th  month,  I  attended  the  (irft- 
day  meetings,  but  was  under  a  great  weight  of 
ipirit,  my  tongue  is  not  able  to  exprefs  it  to  the 
full;  but  the  Lord  is  good,  in  that  he  has  not 
laid  upon  me  more  than  he  will  enable  me  to  go 
through,  although  I  had  ahnoft  given  out,  and 
thought  I  could  go  on  no  longer;  but  he  has 
been  fufficient  for  the  day  of  my  trials,  through 
good  report  and  evil  report,  he  has  upheld  me. 
Oh,  how  I  defire  to  dwell  near  that  good  hand, 
that  has  been  ib  kind  to  me,  who  has  not  cut  me 
offin  his  anger,  but  has  dealt  as  a  tender  father, 
in  watching  my  fteps,  and  when  I  have  gone  too 
faft,  how  he  has  humbled  my  foul,  and  caufed 
me  to  (land  dill  to  feek  renewed  ftrength.  After 
attending  the  morning  meeting  of  minifters  and 
elders,  to  much  comfort,  I  was  at  mid-week 
meeting,  when  my  mouth  was  opened,  in  a  few 
words,  but  I  was  foon  dipt  into  deep  baptilms, 
which  made  me  look  well  to  my  ways,  and  had 
flrong  defires  that  the  Lord  would  keep  my 
body  under  fubjeftion,  left  while  I  was  fp'eaking 


(    77     ) 

to  others,  I  myfelf  fhould  become  a  call  away. 
Attended  divers  meetings  whilit  in  the  city,  and 
one  at  the  work-houfe,  where  were  our  dear 
friends  T.  Rofs  and  R.  Jones,  which  was  ta 
mutual  comfort,  and  we  had  a  tendering  feafon 
together;  may  the  Lord  have  the  praife  of  his 
own  works. 

6th  month  2d,  we  left  London  for  Ipfwichy 
and  on  t her 5th  attended  their  firft-day  meeting; 
from  thence  to  a  quarterly  -  meeting  held  at 
Woodbridge:  I  thought  them  favoured  feafons, 
and  that  the  good  wine  was  handed  to  the  re- 
frefhment  of  our  drooping  minds,  and  fweet  was 
the  reward  of  peace  that  flowed  into  my  heart. 
Had  a  public  meeting  at  this  place,  where  I  felt 
my  fpirit  largely  opened,  in  the  love  of  our  hea- 
venly Father  extended  towards  all  his  crea- 
tures, and  went  away  rejoicing;  may  the  praife 
and  the  honour  be  afcrihed  to  him,  unto  whom 
alone  it  is  due.  Afcer  this,  attended  meetings 
at  Noedham,  Difs  and  Norwich,  at  which  place 
was  a.  yearly  and  quarterly  meeting  held,  which- 
I  thought  much,  favoured:  here  I  met  Nicholas 
Wain  and  Rebecca  Wright.  I  was  concerned 
to  vifst  the  prifoners,  and  hope  net  ro  forget 
the  tendering.  eTecl  it  had  on  my  mind,  to  fes  io 
many  of  our  fellow  crtatir-cs  under  fentence' 
of  death  for  murder  and  robbery.. 

1 3th  of  6th  month,  'eft  Norwich,  and  parted 

with  my  companion  ''Taroarct  Sliiilltc,  who  had 

fhown    me   great    kinaurfs,    as    had    fc'.dmnnd 

Peckoverand  his  wife  and  children:  Elizabeth. 

G  3 


Candler  took  her  place,  and  we  had  meetings  at 
Swafmam,  Wifbich,  Gidray  (and  had  a  precious 
meeting  with  but  about  live  perfons,  two  of 
whom  were  members.)  Went  to  Spalding, 
Gain  {borough  and  Thorn:  here  I  met  with 
Thomas  Rofs  and  John  Pemberton,  and  had 
an  evening  meeting,  which  was  to  fatisfa<flion, 
as  were  mod  of  the  others;  may  my  foul  bow 
in  humble  acknowledgment  to  the  Father  of  all 
our  mercies,  and  give  him  the  praife  unto  whom 
it  is  due.  Next  day  went  to  York,  attended 
their  quarterly  meeting,  and  went-  to  the  prifon 
with  J.  Pemberton;  it  was  an  humbling  fight 
to  fee  fo  many  men  in  chains  ;  there  were  fome 
who  looked  to  be  under  twenty  years  of  age; 
we  fpeaking  of  their  youth,  one  anfwered  us 
cheerfully,  there  were  fome  executed  much 
younger  than  they  were;  how  forrowful  to  be- 
hold luch  a  (late  of  hardnefs,  whereby  they 
could  make  fo  light  of  death:  they  thanked  us 
for  our  vifit,  and  I  returned  with  peace  of  mind. 
From  thence  we  went  to  Darlington  and 
Durham  quarterly  meeting,  and  had  a  public 
meeting  one  evening  in  this  place  for  the  town's 
people  and  foldiers;  all  which  was  to  our  fatif- 
faftion  ;  may  the  Lord  have  the  praife  of  his 
own  works,  and  our  own  honour  be  laid  as  in 
the  duft.  From  thence  attended  meetings  at 
Stockton,  Sunderland,  North  Shields,  Tin- 
mouth,  Newcadle,  Beltingham,  and  one  in  a 
barn  at  Ovington :  they  were  tendering  feafons, 
and  my  heart  was  filled  with  peace;  it  is  the 


(    79     ) 

Lord  alone  that  can  help  me  ;  he  made  me  wiI-> 
ling  to  take  up  the  crofs,  and  appoint  a  meeting 
where  there  were  no  Friends,  and  mercifully 
fupportcd  and  carried  me  through,  I  hope  to 
his  own  honour.  At  Sunderland,  we  lodged 
at  Elizabeth  Ogden's,  who  had  lately  buried  a 
very  deflrable  daughter;  I  had  a  little  know- 
ledge of  her,  and  was  much  a-fTe&ed  when  1 
heard  of  her  death,  fhe  was  about  twenty-three 
years  of  age,  had  a  precious  gift  in  the  minifhy, 
and  was  the  only  one  in  the  public  line  that 
belonged  to  that  meeting,  in  which  fhe  was 
much  miffed:  but  her  heavenly  Father  knew* 
what  was  belt  for  her,  and  fhe  has  undoubtedly 
gone  well,  and  is  taken  from  a  fcene  of  conflict 
and  trial. 

1 7th  of  yth  month,  attended  Newcaftle  meet- 
ings, both  of  which  were  favoured  feafons,  but 
the  pure  life  is  exceeding  low:  I  deflre  not  to 
complain,  though  my  leannefs  is  great,  but  to 
learn  in  all  muations  to  be  content,  to  rejoice  in 
fear,  and  to  come  before  the  Lord  with  .trem- 
bling; for  when  he  is  pleafed  to  arife  he  can 
make  a  way  where  there  appears  to  be  no  way, 
even  through,  the  deeps;  blefled  be  his  name!' 
Here  I  was  taken  ill,  and  continued  fo  about 
ten  days,  that  I  knew  but  little;  after  which, 
I  gradually  recovered,  my  mind  at  feafons  en- 
joyed fweet  quietude  and  refignation  to  the  di- 
vine will.  8th  month,  pth,  I  was  fo  far  re- 
covered as  to  ride  out,  and  my  phyfician  and 
friends  advifed  my  going,  into  the  country,  for 


the  benefit  of  the  air,  which  I  complied  with, 
though  I  felt  fome  reluctance  to  it,  and  went  to 
William  and  Ann  King's  who  were  kind  and 
loving  to  mej  and  was  again  taken  ill,  and 
continued  fo  for  two  weeks,  that  I  was  doubtful 
of  my  recovery,  but  was  mercifully  fupported 
in  this  feafon  of  trial.  I  was  confined,  except 
riding  out  to  take  the  air,  from  the  I7th  of  7th 
month  to  the  i  ith  of  9th  month,  when  I  was 
favoured  tabe  fo  far  rcftored  as  to  attend  meet- 
ing, and  felt  fomething  to  ariie  in  my  mind,  and 
flood  up  to  communicate  it,  but  feeling  unable, 
,  I  again  took  my  feat;  my  dear  compraiion  arofe 
foon  with  the  fubje&,  and  the  very  fame  ex- 
prellions  that  1  had  felt,  revived  ;  I  thought  her 
much  favoured,  and  mention  it  as  a  matter 
worthy  of  commemoration,  as  it  (hews  not  only 
the  near  connexion  there  is  with  the  true  hc- 
bourers,  but  the  all-fufficiency  of  him  who  puts 
them  forth  and  goes  before  them:  after  which,. 
I  parted  with  my  dear  friends,  they  having  been 
made  very  near  to  me,  divers  of  whom  had  been 
very  kind  in  vifitmg  and  caring  for  me,  during 
rny  confinement:  may  the  Lord  reward  them, 
for  it  was  his  doings,  and  my  fpiritis  overcome 
with  his  goodnefs  and  mercy  to  fo  poor  a  crea- 
ture. 

We  now  began,  to- think  of  moving  forward, 
and  my  friends  propofeeiour  taking  fhort  flares, 
considering  my  weaknefs;  bat  it  was  marvellous 
how  fad  I  was  favoured  to-  recover,  and  how  my 
good  Matter  increafed  my  outward  ilrength  j 


C     8f    ) 

we  accordingly  attended  their  week-day  meeting 
at  Shields,  which  was  a  favoured  feafon,  and  orr 
the  ipth  of  Qth  month,  it  being  firft-day,  was 
at  two  meetings  at  Sunderland.  From  thence 
to  Durham,  .Bifhop,  Aukland,  Stainthorp, 
Lartington  and  Darlington ;  I  have,  been  three 
times  at  this  place,  and  have  heretofore  been 
much  fhut.  up,  but  have  .felt  the  goodnefs  of 
God  to  my  foul  this  day,  may  I  (till  live  to  praife 
and  adore  him.  Viiired  a  man  who  was  low  in 
mind,  and  found  him  in  a  lamb-like  flate  ;  alio 
divers  individuals  who  were  confined  by  ficknefs, 
and  had  refrefhing  opportunities  with  them,  to 
the  comforting  of  our  fouls.  From  thence  went 
to  Thirik,  lodged  at  Mary  Alerby's,  who  was 
not  at  home,  but  has  hopeful  children;  we  had 
a.  precious  opportunity  with  our  friends,  who 
came  in  to  fee  us.  ISext  day  reached  York,  and 
attended  their  feleft  quarterly  meeting  where 
many  things  were  opened  and  fpoke  to,  and  it 
would  be  well  if  they  were  put  in  practice,  for 
it  is  the  doing  of  the  law  that  will  render  us  ac- 
ceptable: I  was  favoured  with  peace  after  the 
meeting  was  over.  Attended  their  firft-day 
meeting  at  York,  and  fat  with  the  fcholars  in 
the  evening  at  William  Tuke's;  went  to  our 
kind  friend  Lindley  Murray's  to  lodge,  who 
went  with  us  the  next  day  nine  miles  to  Tad- 
cafter;  his  converfation  was  reviving  to  my 
fpirits,  and  the  parting  with  him  and  his  wife 
was  trying  to  us.  We  had  a  precious  meeting 
at  Thomas  Clifford's.  Next  day  fpent  the 


(     82     ) 

morning  in  writing,  after  which  attended  a 
meeting  at  Leeds,  and  was  there  on  firft-day, 
9th  of  icth  month  ;  after  which  I  felt  peace- 
ful, and  that  is  better  than  the  praife  of  men. 
From  thence  to  Wakefield,  Burton,  Warmf- 
\vorth,  Ackworth,  and  on  firfl-day,  i6th  of 
icth  month,  attended  Pontefracl  meeting,  and 
returned  to  Ackworth — viiked  the  fchool  which 
is  kept  for  Friends  children ;  they  had  upwards 
of  three  hundred  boys  and  girls  ;  the  teachers 
appeared  to  be  folid,  and  religioufly  engaged. 
I  thought  it  a  favoured  vilit,  and  my  heart 
was  made  glad  in  the  leadings  forth  of  the 
Lord.  We  returned  to  Leeds,  and  lodged  at 
John  Jewitt's  ;  here  we  remained  feveral  days, 
my  companion  being  poorly ;  I  attended  their 
week-day  and  firft-day  meetings,  one  burial, 
and  fpent  part  of  my  time  in  writing  home  -, 
and  have  thought  there  was  no  caufe  to  com- 
plain, but  to  be  thankful,  for  if  my  companion 
had  not  been  detained  on  account  of  her 
health,  we  might  probably,  by  travelling  pretty 
conflamly,  have  gone  further  than  my  itreogth 
would  have  borne,  not  being  quite  recovered 
from  my  illnefs.  Our  friends  here  were  very 
kind ;  we  hud  many  tendering  feafons  in  fami- 
lies ;  but  fear  often  attended  me,  led  I  fhould 
go  too  faft  or  tarry  too  long  behind,  and  herein 
is  the  kindnefs  of  my  good  Mafter  nranifefted> 
by  reviving  thefe  things  often  in  my  mind,  to 
keep  me  in  an  humble  watchful  Hate,  where 
alone  is  true  fafety.  My  dear  companion 


thinking  herfelf  able  to  travel  from  Leeds,  we 
attended  a  meeting  at  Brighoufe,  and  fhe  bore 
it  better  than  I  expe&ed  ;  had  a  comfortable 
fitting  in  the  family,  and  the  next  afternoon, 
fome  friends  coming  to  fee  us,  we  had  a  ten- 
dering feafon  together. 

Firft  of  the  week,  3oth  of  i  oth  month,  rode 
four  miles  to  Paddock  meeting;  our  good 
Mailer  was  near,  and  remembered  the  low 
eitate  of  his  handmaid.  .And  fo  to  Higbflats 
and  Lumbroyd ;  from  thence  to  Hnthersfield, 
Rufhworth,  Halifax,  Bradford,  and  Gilder- 
ibme,  and  returned  to  Leeds ;  my  companion 
having  a  child  at  fchool  in  this  place,  it  feemed 
inoft  fuitable  for  us  to  refrefh  ourfelves  a  little, 
and  (lie  having  fome  thoughts  of  leaving  me, 
it  was  a  great  trial,  for  our  fpirits  were  united 
together,  and  we  drew  as  in  one  yoke ;  Ihe, 
however,  went  with  me  to  Knairiborough,  on 
the  1 3th  of  the  nth  month.  I  alib  attended 
Darkre  meeting  (fhe  being  too  unwell  to  go 
with  me)  and  for  a  feafon  fat  in  great  poverty 
of  fpirit  ;  but  a  little  matter  revived  in  my 
mind,  and  we  had  a  tendering  feafon  ;  after 
which  thought  bed  to  return  to,  Leeds,  my 
companion  continuing  poorly,  and  here  we 
parted  in  gcfpel  love.  The  Lord  looked  clown 
upon  me,  and  engaged  the  heart  of  another 
dear  friend  to  go  with  me,  whofe  name  was 
Phebe  Blakes;  we  rode  eight  miles,  and  top- 
ped at  an  inn,  where  I  was  enabled  to  open 
my  mouth  in  fupplicauon  at  the  table,  which 


•was  very  {hiking  to  the  landlady  ;  I  went  away 
in  peace.  The  next  day  attended  a  meeting 
at  Selby,  and  had  caufe  to  believe  that  our 
Matter  had  joined  us  together,  blefled  our  un- 
dertaking, and  favoured  us  with  a  good  meeting. 
From  Selby  went  to  Bottinwith,  and  had  a 
meeting  where  we  lodged  j  and  at  Skipton,  at 
our  friend  John  Raleigh's  :  here  I  was  favour- 
ed to  fee  the  need  of  continual  watchfulnefs, 
for  having  obtained  relief  from  the  deep  weight 
that  attended  my  mind  on  my  firft  coming  into 
this  country,  I  was  defirous  that  I  might  be 
prefcrved  from  errors,  for  I  faw  the  danger 
both  on  the  right  and  left  hand  :  thefe  feafons 
of  proving,  keep  the  mind  low  and  in  a  fitua- 
tion  to  receive  divine  impreilions,  but  of  late  I 
have  felt  as  a  fpring  flmt  up,  a  fountain  fealed  ; 
but  hope  patiently  to  wait  the  Lord's  time, 
who  when  he  pleafes  will  water  his  heritage, 
and  caufe  it  to  grow  and  bring  forth  fruit  to 
the  honour  of  his  name  ;  my  prayer  is  at  times 
raifed,  that  he  may  not  leave  me,  one  of  the 
leail  of  his  labourers,  but  that  he  that  hath 
been  with  me,  may  continue  to  be  my  helper, 
that  I  through  him  may  overcome  the  world. 
From  Skipton  went  to  North  Cove,  which  was 
at  firft  trying,  but  my  companion  loon  kneeled 
and  defircd  the  cloud  might  be  difperfed  :  fo 
nearly  were  our  fpirits  united  together,  that 
we  had  great  caufe  to  be  encouraged  in  the 
fervice  of  our  good  Mafter  ;  may  the  praife  be 
afcribed  unto  whom  it  is  due. 


(     85     ) 

We  went  to  John  Dickafons's,  and  the  next 
day  vifited  feveral  families,  and  returned  to 
Robert  Proud's,  at  Hull;  I  with  my  com- 
panion vifited  fome  of  her  acquaintance,  amongft 
whom  we  had  favoured  religious  opportunities. 
I  defire  to  be  kept  low,  and  my  mind  inward, 
where  fafety  is,  relying  upon  that  arm  that 
never  fails  to  help  his  rightly  dependant  chil- 
dren ;  but  oh  !  the  feelings  of  the  mind  when 
fears  take  hold.  The  next  day  we  attended 
the  monthly  meeting,  and  I  thought  it  ended 
well.  Then  went  to  a  meeting  at  Willick,  and 
although  the  fore  part  was  over-fhadowed  with 
darknefs,  towards  the  clofe  light  fprang  up. 
We  lodged  at  Peter  Herd's.  I  now  began  to 
think  myfelf  releafed  from  thefe  parts.  The 
4th  of  1 2th  month,  went  to  Oftwich  meeting, 
then  to  Hornfea,  and  the  good  Mafter  was 
near  to  us,  opening  our  minds  in  pure  love 
towards  the  people.  From  thence  to  Bridling- 
ton,  and  at  the  widow  Steven's  had  a  family 
fitting.  On  our  way  to  Scarborough,  we  met 
with  fome  danger  by  quickfands ;  but  my  heart 
was  filled  with  peace,  the  fruits  of  obedience  ; 
may  the  Lord  be  ever  obeyed  in  all  things ;  by 
his  rod  and  {biff  hath  he  upheld  me  in  this 
journey.  At  this  place  we  met  with  our  kind 
friend  Robert  Proud  ;  the  meeting  I  believe 
ended  pretty  well ;  my  fpirit  was  clofely  bap- 
tized. Ihe  next  day  was  refrefhed,  went  to 
Whitby,  rode  over  the  moors,  which  are  dan- 
gerous, but  all  was  made  pleafant  to  me,  for 
H 


(     86     ) 

by  doing  the  will  of  my  heavenly  Father,  hard 
things  are  made  eafy.  We  went  to  Caftleton, 
Gilborough  and  Ayton  ;  the  flate  of  the  latter 
was  much  fpoken  to.  After  which  rode  to 
Kawhneft,  Rounton,  Bifdale,  Helmefby,  Kirby 
and  Button  :  at  times  the  fountain  was  un- 
lealed,  and  many  comforted.  I  think  it  worthy 
of  obfervation  for  others'  encouragement,  that 
at  one  of  thefe  meetings,  a  Friend  aged  ninety- 
two  years,  had  walked  fix  miles  to  attend  it  ; 
he  was  an  approved  elder. 

At  Pickering  we  lodged  at  Roger  Hart's, 
my  fpirit  was  depreffed,  and  fears  furrounded 
me  ;  but  I  hoped  my  faith  would  be  again 
flrengthened  to  perform  the  labour  which  I 
believed  I  was  called  to,  for  the  fake  of  my  own 
peace  ;  and  my  delire  is,  that  he  will  reward 
all  his  children,  whom  he  hath  made  willing 
to  leave  all  that  is  near  and  dear,  to  follow 
him  in  the  way  of  his  holy  requirings.  The 
Hate  of  the  above  meeting  was  opened  to  many 
minds.  From  thence  to  Malton  ;  the  Friends 
of  this  place  were  very  kind  to  me,  and  I  truft 
we  parted  jn  love.  Thence  we  went  to  Huby, 
and  tliis  being  the  lad  meeting,  and  the  extent 
of  the  prefent  journey,  I  was  defirous  it  might 
be  like  the  others,  for  the  bed  aid  had  been 
gracioufly  near  us  in  this  vifit,  and  i{  was  fo 
on  the  prefent  occafion,  to  our  comfort,  From 
that  place  we  returned  to  Leeds,  to  their  quar- 
terly meeting,  where  I  met  many  of  my  be- 
loved friends;  among  whom  were  Mehitable 


Jenkins,  Rebecca  Jones,  and  John  Pembertotr. 
The  meeting  continued  three  days,  and  was 
much  favoured  ;  after  which  we  went  to  Un- 
dercliffs  and  Bradford  meeting ;  and  on  the 
firft-day  following,  being  the  8th  of  ift  month, 
were  at  Rov/don,  which  was  a  feafon  of  favour, 
and  my  companion  was  enabled  vocally  to  fup- 
plicate  the  Father  of  our  mercies.  Next  to 
Olley,  Fairfield,  Skipton,  and  Lotherfale.  I 
have  been  deiirous  to  be  wholly  given  up  to 
the  will  and  direction  of  my  heavenly  Father  ; 
he  requires  no  more  of  us  than  he  graciouily, 
enables  to  perform  ;  and  although  much  weak- 
nefs  was  mine,  and  at  feafons  when  nearly 
ready  to  give  out,  I  may  fay  that  Jordan  was 
driven  back,  and  my  feet  flood  firm  when  all 
her- banks  were  overflowed  ;•  may  my  foul  ever 
?.dcre  its  God,  he  holds  the  winds,  and  by  his 
word  governs  fea  and  land.  Having  a  cold,  I 
travelled  through  bodily  indifpolition  ;  but  have 
caufe  to  be  thankful  that  I  was  enabled  to 
continue  my  journey  ;  may  the  Lord  carry  me 
through  to  his  honour,  and  to  the  fatisfa&ion 
of  my  friends,  without  wounding  the  leaft 
babe  in  Chrift  ;  and  it  will  not  matter  what 
I  undergo,  if  favoured  at  laft  with  the  reward 
of  peace.  Had  a  religious  opportunity  with 
the  Friend  of  the  houfe,  who  was  lick. 

ift  month  1 5th,  we  were  at  a  firft-day  meet- 
ing at  Sifterfonh,  and  after  a  fads  factory  re- 
ligious opportunity  in  a  family,  fet  out  on  our 
journey,  were  at  Airton  and  Starbolton,  thefe 
H  2 


(     38     ) 

were  pretty  open  meetings :  here  we  left  our 
carriage  and  took  faddles,  and  rode  up  a  fteep 
mountain,  and  fo  to  Ayfgarth,  Leybourn  and 
Marfham,  being  firft  of  the  week  and  22d  of 
the  month.  In  going  to  one  of  thefe  meetings 
we  were  overturned,  and  my  companion  a 
Jittle  bruifed,  but  not  fo  much  as  we  both 
were  once  before  by  a  fimilar  accident.  Went 
to  Richmond,  Swaledale,  and  on  firft-day  29th, 
at  Counterfide  :  next  to  Grifdale  (in  Weftmore- 
land)  Brigflatt's  meeting,  and  Layeft;  much  of 
the  time  it  had  been  rainy.  Some  of  thefe 
meetings  were  tendering  feafons,  and  through 
mercy  at  times,  obtained  the  blefling.  Oh, 
may  my  fpirit  bow  at  the  feet  of  divine  wifdom, 
and  give  the  glory  to  the  Lord,  from  whom 
our  ftrength  cometh  :  I  have  great  caufe  to 
trufl  in '  his  never  failing  arm,  thitt  has  thus 
helped  me  through,  and  I  may  fay,  I  rejoice 
in  fear,  and  ftand  before  him  with  trembling  ; 
it  is  good  for  me  that  he  has  dealt  with  me  in 
this  manner. 

5th  of  2d  month,  1786,  firft  of  the  week, 
having  met  Geo.rge  Diliwyn  and  wife  at  Kendal, 
we  attended  their  forenoon  meeting ;  the  meet- 
ing in  the  afternoon  was  put  off  to  the  fifth 
hour,  at  the  rcqueft  of  George  Diliwyn,  for  the 
inhabitants  of  the  town,  which  proved  a 
favoured  feafon,  and  1  fmcerely  craved  that 
the  feed  which  is  fowed  in  this  land  may  bring 
forth  fruit  and  multiply  in  the  hearts  of  the 
fens  and  daughters  of  men.  Next,  day  we  had 


a  very  large  public  meeting  in  a  fchool-houfe 
at  Sedbar,  ten  miles,  where  many  excellent 
truths  were  declared  :  I  truft  the  Lord  will 
make  up  all  to  me  if  I  wait  patiently  his  time, 
yea  feven  fold  of  rewards  for  all  our  labours  : 
we  returned  to  Rachel  Wilfon's  with  peace. 
I  fpent  the  remainder  of  the  week  there,  taking 
their  week-day  meeting,  and  vifiting  the  iick 
and  aged,  in  which  I  found  peace  of  mind, 
praifed  be  the  Lord  therefor.  The  firft-day 
following  were  at  Wyndermeer  in  the  fore- 
noon, and  Kendal  in  the  afternoon,  feven  miles 
ditlant :  then  we  took  meetings  at  Crook, 
Grayrigs,  Prefton,  Yealand,  and  Wetherfdale, 
in  which  my  mind  .was  flrengthened  in  filence, 
as  I  was  favoured  to  feek  for  and  look  to  the 
Lord,  knowing  it  to  be  very  profitable  for  the 
renewal  of  my  ftrength.  We  thence  returned 
to  Lancafter,  and  were  at  their  firft-day  meet- 
ing, ipth.  Thence  attended  meetings  at 
Wray,  Field,  Proud,  Prefton,  Longbridge, 
Srandifh,  Langtree,  Afhton  and  Bricurfa,  and 
coming  to  Liverpool,  was  feveral  days  confined 
there,  being  much  indifpofed,  but  it  pleafed 
Infinite  Goodnefs  to  raife  me  up  again.  After 
taking  their  meeting,  firft-day  1 2th  of  3d  month, 
were  at  meeting  at  Panketh  in  the  forenoon, 
and  in  the  afternoon  at  Warrington,  wherein 
I  was  made  willing  to  fubmit  my  life  and  all 
that  is  within  me,  to  the  wife  difpofer  of  all 
things  ;  my  faith  was  ftrengihened,  and  the 
meeting  ended  well,  and  we  had  a  favoured 


(    9=    ) 

fitting  in  the  evening  in  a  Friend's  family,  and 
the  day  following  two  others  in  different  fami- 
lies of  the  town  ;;and  then  went  to  Manchefter, 
and  lodged  at  John  Routh's,  where  I  met  with 
Sarah  Taylor,  his  fifter,  who  has  a  valuable 
gift  in  the  miniftry  ;  we  had  a  favoured  meet- 
ing there,  and  my  companion  concluded  it  in 
fupplication.  Thence  going  to  Oolhim,  we 
were  at  their  meeting,  but  it  being  a  heavy 
fnow  florm,  the  fhow  was  fo  deep  we  could 
not  travel  for  two  days.  Then  going  to  Long- 
field,  my  companion  thought  of  kaving  me, 
which  was  a  trial,  for  though  I  had  parted 
wirh  my  near  connexions,  yet  I  find  a  united 
companion  in  a  ftrange  place,  to  be  near ;  fhe 
went  with  me  to  firft-day  meeting  at  Todmar- 
ton,  where  we  had  a  good  parting  feafon.  I 
remember  when  Jonathan  and  David  parted 
they  wept  until  David  exceeded,  for  they  loved 
each  other,  and  we  parted  in  love,  and  not 
becaufe  we  were  tired  with  each  other's  com- 
pany, for  the  longer  we  were  together  the 
more  I  loved  her,  for  fhe  was  a  help-mate  to 
me  both  within  and  without.  On  the  2cth  of 
the  jd  month,  this  my  valuable  friend  and 
companion,  Phebe  Blakes,  left  me  ;  fhe  had 
been  near  four  months  with  me,  and  it  would 
have  been  very  pleafmg  if  our  good  Mafter 
had  engaged  her  to  have  continued  with  me 
during  my  May  in  this  land  j  but  his  will  be 
done,  and  all  will  be  well. 

Sarah  Sutcliff,  a  young  woman,  accompany- 


(    9'     ) 

rng  me,  we  fet  off  on  horfeback,  and  found 
fome  difficulty  in  getting  through  the  fnow- 
banks,  but  were  preferved  through  dangers, 
and  had  a  blefled  open  feafon  at  Crawfhaw- 
booth  ;  I  hope  reverently  to  bow  my  fpirit  at 
the  feet  of  my  Lord,'  and  afcribe  all  honour  to 
him  to  whom  alone  it  is  due.  After  taking  the 
meeting  at  Bolton,  I  met  with  Sarah  Reynolds, 
who  concluded  to  accompany  me.  We  took 
meetings  at  Edgeworth  and  Blackburne,  which 
were  acceptable  feafons,  and  came  to  Marfden 
much  wearied  ;  and  on  firft-day  the  26th,  had 
a  favoured  meeting  not  to  be  forgotten.  Thence 
took  meetings  at  Trawden  and  Newtown, 
wherein  we  experienced  favour  :  my  mind  is  at 
times  pofleffed  with  fear,  lead  I  fhould  become 
a  cafl-away  in  this  land,  but  my  good  Maftcr 
knoweth  what  is  bed  for  me,  which  is  to  be 
truly  humble,  and  I  hope  not  to  lack  in  that 
great  and  neceffary  thing,  for  it  is  the  humble 
that  are  favoured  of  the  Lord — Oh,  that  I 
may  be  led  in  the  meek  path  of  righteoufnefs, 
all  the  days  of  my  appointed  time  here.  After 
meeting  rode  twelve  miles  to  Bank,  where  my 
fpirit  felt  clofely  tried,  but  I  was  defirous  to 
be  made  quite  willing  to  fubmit  to  every  dif- 
penfation.  The  toffing  feas  were  made  ftill 
and  I  refted,  and  was  comforted  in  beholding 
the  good  hand,  which  was  near  to  fo  poor  a 
creature  as  I  am :  but  when  I  refleft  on  the 
many  favours  I  have  received  from  his  boun- 
tiful hand,  (for  indeed  I  may  fay  that  I  lacked 


(     92     ) 

nothing  from  him,)  how  fearful  I  am  left  I 
fhould  not  go  through  this  great  undertaking 
to  the  honour  of  the  Lord,  and  fatisfaftion  of 
my  friends.  Firft-day,  zd  of  4th  month,  was 
at  meeting  at  Settle  ;  next  day  at  Bentham,  and 
third-day  at  Kendal :  and  fo  to  the  monthly 
meeting  at  Penrith,  which  was  an  humbling 
feafon.  After  thefe  we  took  meetings  at  Mor- 
dell,  Terril,  Mofedale,  Caldbeck,  Bolton  and 
Wigton,  fome  of  which  were  caufe  of  much 
thankfulnefs,  and  I  hope  to  be  duly  humbled 
under  a  fenfe  of  my  good  Mailer's  care  unto 
me  in  a  foreign  land. 

Having  been  under  fome  cxercife  on  account 
of  a  concern  I  have  felt  10  go  into  Scotland, 
and  being  defirous  that  fome  exercifed  brother 
might  be  concerned  10  accompany  us,  to  bear 
part  in  the  work,  we  went  to  Carfiile,  and  there 
1  received  a  letter  from  John  Hall  (whofe  mo- 
ther, Alice  Hall,  being  on  a  religious  viilt  died 
in(our  land)  kindly  offering  his  company  to  go 
there,  and  he  being  a  valuable  Friend  in  the 
miniftry,  his  offer  was  very  acceptable.  The 
next  day  we  had  a  precious  open  meeting  at 
Carlifle,  the  day  following  we  attended  meet- 
ing at  Scotby,  and  next  morning  fet  out  for 
Scotland,  rode  thirty-three  miles,  and  lodged 
at  an  inn  :  my  companion  and  felf  had  a  feafon 
of  deep  fearching  of  heart,  and  I  became  re- 
newed in  mind  to  put  my  trufl  in  the  never- 
failing  arm  of  power,  and  I  hope  to  be  more 
and  more  faithful  thereto.  Next  day,  riding 


(    93    ) 

thirty-two  miles,  reached  Kelfo ;  and  the  day 
following,  being  firft-day,  i6th  of  4th  mo. 
1786,  were  at  two  meetings  there,  being  the 
firft  in  Scotland  ;  they  proved  opening  feafons. 
Second-day  rode  forty  miles  to  Edinburgh,  and 
had  a  meeting  there  next  day,  and  my  heart 
was  brought  to  rejoice  in  much  weaknefs,  and 
in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  ;  during  my  flay  I  felt 
fear  on  every  hand,  and  I  found  it  hard  work 
to  be  truly  faithful  to  what  was  required  of 
me;  but  my  good  Matter  renewed  my  ftrength 
day  by  day,  fuitable  to  the  labour  I  have  to 
go  through.  We  rode  fourteen  miles  to  Perth, 
and  next  day  thirty-eight  miles  to  Stonehaven, 
where  we  had  a  meeting,  a  few  old  people 
attended,  and  the  Mafter  favoured  us  together: 
after  meeting  went  fourteen  miles  to  Aberdeen, 

««u  lvug£w  ai  an  inn,  ^p.d  firft-day  a^  few 

two  meetings  there.  Then  rode  eighteen  miles 
to  meeting  at  Oldmeldrum,  whieh  was  a 
tendering  feafon,  and  returned  to  Aberdeen, 
where  my  companion  was  much  unwell,  as  (he 
has  been  moftly  fmce  we  came  into  Scotland ; 
but  fhe  is  a  pattern  of  patience  under  affliction, 
and  her  company  very  inftru&ive  to  me,  in 
this  time  of  travelling,  being  fubjefted  to  in- 
conveniences by  long  ftages  and  lodging  at  inns. 
Next  day  we  attended  their  yearly  meeting, 
and  my  companion  held  out  better  than  I  ex- 
pefted  :  it  was  a  hard  trying  time  with  us,  but 
we  were  helped  through  with  the  oppreffed 
feed,  to  feel  with  them  in  their  burthens ;  but 


(     94     ) 

my  companion  continues  fo  poorly,  and  we  are 
fo  far  from  her  huiband  and  children,  that  I 
am  almoft  difcouraged  at  times,  bur  the  great 
Phyfician  is  able  to  heal,  and  carry  us  through 
all ;  it  is  he  alone  who  is  able  to  help  us  in  all 
our  trials. 

From  Aberdeen  we  went  to  Montrofe,  thirty- 
feven  miles,  and  taking  a  fmall  meeting  there 
went  to  Dundas,  twenty-eight  miles,  and  had 
two  public  meetings,  being  firft-day,  3©th  of 
4th  mo.  Second-day  went  twenty-two  miles 
to  Perth,  and  had  a  public  meeting  in  the 
town-hall ;  my  concern  about  this  lad  meeting 
was  great,  but  my  good  Matter  was  near  to 
my  help,  and  I  was  favoured  with  peace  of 
mind,  which  covered  my  foul  as  with  a  gar- 
ment, fo  that  all  things  were  made  eafy.  The 
next  day  we  had  a  cold  \vet  ride  ever  the  "iCuu- 
tain ;  I  felt  concerned  on  account  of  my  com- 
panion, but  was  favoured  with  fuch  pence  of 
mind  myfelf,  that  the  weather  could  not  make 
me  unhappy  ;  bleffed  be  the  Lord,  for  he  alone 
made  way  for  me,  and  gave  me  ftrength  to 
bear  every  trial. — Gne  dear  Friend  of  that 
country,  John  Wigham,  bore  up  my  arms  with 
my  dear  companion's,  I  hope  not  to  forget  his 
kindnefs  in  this  journey  ;  I  do  not  recolleft  to 
have  met  with  a  more  feeling  and  fympathifing 
friend  in  Europe.  We  rode  forty  miles  to 
Edinburgh  yearly  meeting,  held  for  Scotland, 
where  I  met  with  John  Pemberton,  whom  I 
was  glad  to  fee.  as  ?]fo  many  others  of  my 


(    95    ) 

dear  friends  ;  it  held  two  days,  I  was  filent  in 
all  the  public  meetings,  but  felt  them  to  be 
favoured  opportunities.     There  are  a  few  pro- 
mifmg  young  people  in  this  place,  whom  my 
fpirit  travailed  with,   in  hope  that  they  will 
look  to  the  never-failing  arm  of  power,  in  all 
their  ilepping  along  through  time.     We  at- 
tended a  public  meeting  at  Loath,  where  there 
are  no  Friends,  and  returned  to  Edinburgh, 
and  were  at  two  meetings  there  on  firft-day, 
7th  of  6th  mo.  in  company  with  John  Pern- 
berton,  which  proved  to  our  comfort.     Next 
day  we  fet  off  for  England,   rode  thirty-fix 
miles,  and  lodged  at  an  inn,  where  my  dear 
companion  was  fo  unwell  that  we  fent  for  a 
phyfician,  and  I  being  very  weary  with  riding, 
relied  poorly;  but  it  was  caufe  of  great  thaiik- 
fulnefs,  that  I -was  favoured  with  health,  in- 
deed I  have  caufe  to  fpeak  of  the  abundant 
mercies  bellowed  on  us,  .in  our  ileppings  along 
in  this. journey.    Next  morning  fetting  off,  and 
my  dear  companion  recruiting,  rode  thirty-two 
miles  and  lodged  again  at  an  inn  ;  and  next 
day    rofe    early,    and   rode    fixteen    miles    to 
Sikefide,  .and  lodged  at  a  Friend's  houfe,  and 
the  next  day  following  went  to   meeting  at 
Kirklovington,  which  was  a  tendering  fealbn  ; 
but  oh,  my  fpirit  was  in  great  trembling,  and 
fear  furrounded  me,  lell  I  had  done  more  harm 
than  good ;    and  thefe  things  kept  me  low, 
which  is  like  help  to  the  foul,  that  it  might 
not  be  lifted  up,  but  centre  in  the  low  valley 


of  humiliation,  there  to  be  filled  again  with  a 
renewal   of  divine   goodnefs.      Then    taking 
meeting  at  Selport,  came  through  Carlifle,  and 
on  firft-day,   i4th  of  5th  mo.  were  at  meeting 
at  Moorhoufe  in  the  forenoon,  and  the  after- 
noon  at   Kirkbird,   fix   miles   further ;    both 
meetings  were  tendering  feafons,  it  was  a  time 
of  poverty  with  me;  came  that  night  ten  miles, 
to  Holm,  and  next  day  were  at  meeting  there, 
where  I  was  filent ;  but  my  dear  companion, 
had   fome  fervice,  to  fatisfaftion  ;  and  in  the 
afternoon  went  four  miles  to  Allenby,  and  had 
an  open  favoured  meeting:    after   which  we 
went  to  fee  a  young  man,   who  came  from 
America  in  the  veiTel  with  me,  and  is  now  in 
a  poor  (late  of  health.     I  alib  vifited  our  cap- 
tain's brothers   and    fifter,   their  mother  was 
from  home,  but  I  faw  her  fome  days  before  ; 
I  did  not  fee  his  wife,  fhe  being  alfo  from  home. 
Leaving  them,  we  took  meeting  at  Maryport, 
and  came  to  Whitchaven.     Many  are  the  bap- 
tifms  we  poor  travellers  have  to  go  through, 
but  we  have  found  the  grace  of  God   to  be 
fufficient  to  carry  us  through  in  much  weaknefs 
and  fear,  fo  that  we  can  fpeak  well  of  his 
gracious  never-failing  name,  that  he  has  never 
fuffered  us  to  fink  below  hope ;  he  has  done 
much  for  us,  he  has  afforded  us  day  by  day  a 
crumb  from  his  bountiful  table.     After  meet- 
ing we  rode  ten   miles  to  Grayfouthen,  and 
lodged    at  Jane  Pcarfon's.      Next    day   rode 
three  miles   to  Parufhawhall   meeting,  where 


(     97     ) 

we  had  to  fpeak  well  of  our  good  Madei": 
litre  1  faw  Hannah  Harris,  who  has  been  in 
America  cm  a  religious  viiit,  and  we  were  mu- 
uially  glad  to  fee  each  other.  We  lodged  again 
at  Jane  Pearfon's,  and  next  day  rode  eleven 
miles  to  meeting  at  Broughton,  and  in  the 
afternoon  to  Cockefmouth,  which  finished  my 
|Vifit  iir  this  country,  in  which  I  am  favoured 
with  peace  of  mind. 

2 1  ft  of  5th  mo.  being  nYft-day,  was  at  meet 
ing  at  Highwray,  where  my  companion  was  fo 
unwell  as  to  fit  the  meeting  with  difficulty  -;  and 
returning  to  Hannah  Wilfon's,  flie  went  to  bed, 
and  meeting  being  already  appointed,  it  was  no 
fmall  trial  to  part  with  her.  Hannah  Wilibn 
accompanying  me,  we  took  meetings  at  Ulver- 
flon-,  and  then  at  Heigh't,  where  I  met  my 
companion  again,  yet  very  poorly  ;  but  next 
day  ^fet  off"  with  us,  and  rode  twenty-four  miles 
to  Lan caller,  and  lodged  at  William  Dilworth's. 
Next  day  fifty-two  miles  to  Warrington  •  my 
companion's  fever  abating,  I  left  her,  and  went 
about  fix  miles  to  the  general  meeting,  and  my 
mind  was  made  peaceful  in  being  obedient  to 
my  heavenly  Father,  although  in  much  weak- 
ncfs;  yet  the  fun  broke  out  of  the  cloud  fome- 
times,  to  -the  refrefhing  of  my  poor  drooping 
foul. 

Being  accompanied  by  E.  Jollay,  a  kind 
young  woman,  we  took  meetings  at  Middleant- 
\vith  and  Coventry  ;  the  laft  being  particularly 
owned  by  the  great  Mailer,  my  cup  overflowed 


X     9*     ) 


and  the  tender  plant?  were  watered  with  the 
faedding  abroad  of  the  Father's  love.  \Vc 
then  proceeded  on  for  London,  where  we  ar- 
rived on  the  3oth  of  5th  mo.  and  met  my  dear 
friend  and  former  companion  R.  Wright,  and 
we  were  mutually  pleated  to  fee  each  other. 
Here  I  alfo  met  Mehitable  Jenkins,  and  all  our 
American  friends  now  in  this  land,  except  J. 
Pemberton.  The  next  week  the  yearly  meet- 
ing coming  on,  I  was  enabled  to  attend  it,  which 
were  all  favoured  fittings,  to  the  praife  of  the 
great  Name. 

171)1  of  6th  mo.  1786,  went  to  Rochefter, 
and  next  day  attended  their  firft-day  meetings, 
which  were  favoured  feafons ;  but  my  poor 
fpirit  was  deeply  baptized,  in  which  I  hope  to 
iubmit  to  the  fufferings  allotted  me,  until  the 
Lord  fhall  fay  it  is  enough.  Accompanied  by 
JMary  Horfenail,  I  went  to  Canterbury,  Drapers 
and  Dover,  where  the  meetings  were  much 
favoured  with  divine  light,  particularly  at  Dra- 
pers, much  tendernefs  appeared  ;  may  the  Lord 
be  praifed  for  ever.  From  Dover  we  went  to 
Folkflone,  took  meeting  there,  vilited  fome  fick 
Friends,  and  returned  to  Dover  monthly  meet- 
ing. Oh,  my  deareft  Lord,  I  pray  thee  to 
uphold  me  with  thy  right  hand,  for  thou  only 
khoweft  all  my  trials  and  dangers  that  I  have 
to  pafs  through  in  this  life;  thou  haft  mercifully 
delivered  my  poor  foul  from  deftru&ion  in  time 
pad  i  I  pray  thee,  holy  Father,  be  near  to  mc3 


(     99    ) 

and  fupport  me  by  thy  free  fpirit,  in   every 
needful  time. 

251)1  of  6th  mo.  meeting  with  Mehitable 
Jenkins  and  Sarah  Stephen  Ion  at  Dover,  we 
itaid  meetings  there,  being  firft-day,  and- was 
at  a  filcnt  meeting  in  the  morning,  and  a  fitting 
with  onr  friends  in  the  evening,  to  my  great 
comfort.  Next  day  attended  the  meeting  for 
bufinefs  and  for  miniiters  and  elders ;  it  was  an 
open  time,  and  the  lafl  a  precious  feafon.  The 
next  day  going  to  Aihford,  I  was  under  great 
concern  of  mind  to  have  a  meeting  at  a  place 
where  I  was  informed  there  were  no  friends, 
though  the  largeft  meeting-houfe  among  thofe 
of  our  fociety  in  that  county :  the  next  day 
went  to  meeting,  and  it  was  a  moft  favoured 
feafon.  We  rode  twenty  miles  to  Cranbrook, 
and  had  a  meeting  appointed  that  evening;  I 
vmderftood  the  people  were  well  fatisfied  with 
the  opportunity  ;  there  were  two  minifters  of 
Dover  that  attended  :  I  could  fay  that  the  good 
Mailer  made  way  for  me  ;  oh,  may  my  foul 
bow  as  to  the  dull,  and  give  glory  to  his  mod 
powerful  name,  which  is  worthy  to  be  ferved 
and  obeyed  in  all  things.  Lodged  at  an  inn, 
and  next  day  rode  twenty-two  miles  to  Hilly- 
Park  ;  and  next  day  taking  Gardner-ftreet 
meeting,  we  came  to  Lewes,  and  on  firft-day, 
2J  of  yth  month,  attended  meeting  t^re  ;  and 
in  the  afternoon  a  public  meeting  being  ap- 
pointed, my  fpirit  funk  into  difcouragement, 
but  I  could  honeftly  fay,  Oh  Lord  thou  knoweft 
I  2 


:hy  honour  in  view:  we  were  favoured 
v/;:;i  a  good  open  leatbn  ;  oh,  may  niy  foul 
bow  down  to  the  dint  and  give  all  glory  to 
ihe  Lord,  who  is  worthy  of  all  praife.  \\re 
then  took  meetings  at  Brighton,  Irield,  Hoi  - 
iham,  Shipley,  Arundel  and  Chichefter,  which 
were  moftiy  precious  feafons;  at  the  laft,  three 
prieils  attended,  who  I  underflood  were  well 
iatisfied,  and  defired.  notice  might  be  given 
them  whenever  Friends  came  there  again. 

9th  of  7th  mo.  being  firft  day  of  the  \veek> 
•we  were  at  meeting  at  Godalmin,  and  I  felt 
Jrty  fpirits  begin  to.  fink  again,  for  I  wanted 
daily  wafhing  in  the  laver  of  regeneration  : 
Oh,  this  great  and  ardent  work  fcems  a8  if  it 
would  be  too  heavy  for  me  to  go  through  to 
the  honour  of  truth,  which  is  made  as  nea.r 
to  me  as  my  own  life  ;  I  long  for  truth  and 
righteoufnefs  to  reign  in  the  hearts  of  the  fons 
of  men,  and  to  rule  over  all  nations :  in  the 
morning  it  was  laborious  work,  but  in  the 
afternoon  it  was  as  a  refrefliing  Slower  ;  my 
heart  was  made  humbly  thankful,  and  I  hope 
it  will  not  be  forgotten  by  me  a  poor  worm  ; 
I:  long  daily  to  bq  laid!  as  in  the  duft,  fo  that 
I  might  be  truly  favoured  of  the  Lord,  and 
enabled  of  him  to  work  in  his  vineyard.  Thence 
We  went  to  Capel  and  Dorking,  which  were 
'favoured  opportunities,  at- the  latter  meeting  a 
priefl  attended,  who  expreiTed;  to  me  his  hope 
that  the  Lord  would  blefs  my  undertaking, 
and  told  a  Friend  he  was  glad  he  was  there.. 


After  meeting  at  Croydon.,  I  parted  with  my 
dear  friend  Mary  Horfenail,  whom  I  dearly 
loved.  Next  day  Ann  Robinfon  went  with, 
me  to  Wandf worth,  where  we  had  a  fatis- 
fa&ory  meeting.  Thence  to  Kingilon,  and 
had  an  evening  meeting.  After  taking  meeting. 
on  firft-day  i6th  of  ythmo.  we  came  to  Guild- 
ford,  where  I  felt  a  concern  to  appoint  a  pub- 
lic meeting,  but  it  was  a  greater  crofs  to 
appoint  fuch  a  one  than  my  tongue  can  exprefs : 
fometimes  I  was  ready  to  flinch  and  draw  back, 
fo  far  that  I  was  often  afraid  the  Lord  would 
caft  me  out  of  his  favour,  then  he  mac]e  me 
willing  to  comply  to  any  thing  that  he  required 
of  fo  poor  a  creature  as  I  often  fee  myfelf,  and 
my  God  knoweth  that  I  have  need  of  a  large 
fhare  of  poverty  to  keep  down  my  afpiring 
mind  :  Oh,  that  the  Lord  may  bring  me  dowm 
in  what  manner  he  pleafes,  that  I  may  never 
lack  humility  faith  my  foul  :  meeting  ended  to 
fatisfaftion.  Taking  a  meeting  at  Frail,,  we 
came  to  Alton,  and  after  a  favoured  meeting 
there,  my  friend  Ann  Robinfon  parted  with 
me,  and  Deborah  Merryweathrr  accompany 
me,  we  attended  meetings  at  Bafingftoke  and 
"Whitchurch;  the  latter  was  a  tendering  feafon, 
and  I  truft  fome  drooping  fouls  were  comforted, 
and  united  in  frelh  remembrance  of  the  heaven- 
ly Father's  love,  extended,  to.  the  humbling 
our  fpirits  together.  Oh,  gracious  Father, 
how  oft  haft  thou  helped  me  in  times  paft ;. 
mayeft  thou  not  leave  me  in  a  foreign  landv 


(     16*     ? 

but  open  my  way,  and  caufe  me  to  (land  boldly 
for  thy  honour,  thou  who  art  able  to  o  all 
things ;  pour  down  thy  pity  once  more  upon 
me,  and .  renew  thy  promife  to  me,  that  thou 
would  direft'  me  what  to  fay.  Thou  art  worthy 
to  be  ferved  and  obeyed  by  me,  all  the  re- 
mainder of  my  days,  and  may  I  be  devoted  to 
thee,  for  truly  thou  had  rewarded  with  great 
wages  for  my  little  labour,  yea  even  four  fold 
for  giving  up  the  pfrime  of  my  days  to  follow 
thee  through  various  trials :  fometimes  I  was 
ready  to  give  out,  and  then  he  would  arife  for 
my  encouragement,  and  make  me  willing  to 
undergo  any  thing  if  he  would  but  be  with  me 
in  the  foreft,  and  as  it  were  in  the  lion's  den  : 
his  prefence  is  fulEcient  to  reward  me,  for  all 
my  afflictions  became  as  a  rich  garment,  fo  that 
•I  could  fay  that  all  things  worked  together  for 
my  good  ;  oh,  that  I  may  flill  trufl  in  his  never- 
failing  arm  of  power.  We  then  took  meetings 
at  Andover,  Ramfay  and  Fording-bridge,  and 
the  good  hand  was  near  :  oh,  that  my  good 
Mafler  may  keep  me  on  every  hand,  that  my 
converfation  may  be  a  feal  to  my  teftimony, 
that  I  may  dwell  in  the  deeps,  fo  as  to  receive 
the  favour  of  life  unto  life,  and  to  bring  up 
memorials  as  from  the  bottom  of  Jordan,  to 
fuit  the  dates  of  thofe  who  are  d-aily  mourning, 
for  religion  is  at  a  very  low  ebb  in  this  land  : 
yet  I  find  a  few  enquirers,  who  want  help,  not 
being  willing  to  take  up  the  crofs,  and  deny 
themfelves  of  the  glittering  things  of  this  world. 


for  they  appear  very  pleafing  to  the  outward 
eye.  There  are  four  meeting-houfes  (hut  up 
in  this  bounty,  and  others  where  meetings  are 
fddom  held ;  and  in  the  laft  counties  I  have 
vifited,  there  are  feveral"  other  houfes  {hut  up, 
and  thofe  that  are  kept  open  have  very  fmall 
gatherings,  and  unlefs  there  is  a  returning  back 
tt>  the  fountain  of  all  good,  I  believe  it  will  be 
the  cafe  with  more  foon.  Oh,  that  the  Lord 
may  pour  out  his  good  fpirit  upon  the  fons  and 
daughters  ,of  men,  that  the  wade  places  may 
be  rebuilt,  that  Zion  may  fhine  again  in  her 
ancient  beauty,  faith  my  fpirit  at  this  time. 

After  taking  meeting  at  Ringwood,  came  to 
Shaftfbury,  and  met  with  Sarah  Stephenfon,  to 
my  great  comfort;  (lie  concluding  to  take  fome 
meetings  with  me,  it  was  a  great  relief  to  my 
mind,  for  although  I  had  a  very  kind  young 
woman  with  me,  yet  my  drooping  fpirit  was 
very  low,  feeling  the  want  of  one  to  help  me 
in  weightier  matters  :  I  had  often  prayed  the 
Father  of  mercies  that  he  would  pleafe  to  con- 
cern fome  weighty  Friend  to  come  to  my 
ailiitance,  and  I  think  I  may  fay  that  my  cup 
overflowed  in  the  remembrance  of  his  abundant 
mercies  and  kihdnefs  to  fo  poor  a  creature  as  I 
am.  We  were  at  Ringwood  on  30th  of  yth 
mo.  and  had  a  pretty  good  meeting,  but  their 
holding  their  monthly  meeting  the  fame  day 
(being  firft-day)  did  not  feem  pleafant  to  me. 
We  then  vifited  the  meetings  of  Marnhull, 
Sherborue  and  Longfutton-j  the  two  laft  month,- 


fy  meetings :  thence  to  Chard  and  Bridport  ; 
after  the  meeting  at  Bridport  I  was  brought  to- 
remember  that  our  dear  Lord  and  Saviour, 
after  he  had  fed  the  multitude,  and  alfo  taught 
ihe  people,  that  he  retired  to  the  fea-fide  : 
and  if  we  have  been  favoured,  we  mud  be 
immediately  humbled  again,  for  that  is  our 
fafety,  to  wear  his  holy  yoke,  and  learn  to  be 
meek,  and  lowly  in  he<irt  :  oh,  my  fpirit 
trembleth,  and  none  can.  tell  the  deep  wading 
of  my  poor  foul,  yet  I  live  and  get  along,  for 
according  to  my  trials  hath  my  flrength  been, 
blefled  be  the  name  of  my  God,  who  anointeth 
and  reanointeth  me  for  his  work,  day  by  day. 

Firft-day,  6th  of  8th  ma.  were  at  two  meet- 
ings' at  Pool,  and  feeling  a  concern  to  go  to 
the  Me  of  Wight,  Mofcs  Neaves,  the  Friend 
iit  whofe  houfe  we  lodged,  his  daughter,  Morris 
Birkbeck,  and  feveral  other  Friends  accom- 
panying me,  we  went  to  Newport,  and  had  a 
large  meeting,  wherein  feme  were  tendered  : 
there  is  here  a  mceting-houfe  belonging  to 
Friends,  but  no  Friends  rellde  here  at  prefent. 
The  place  where  we  firft  landed  being  a  con- 
iiderable  town,  I  had  a  mind  to  have  a  meet- 
ing, and  after  fome  difficulty  in  procuring  a 
place,  a  warehoule  was  provided  ;  the  notice 
being  fliort,  not  many  people  came  in,  but  we 
had  a  favoured  opportunity,  though  religion 
feems  low  on  this  Ifland.  We  then  fet  fail  for 
Pool,  and  paffed  by  a  fmall  town  which  I  hardly 
knew  how  to  get  clear  of,  but  faid  nothing 


about  rt;  we  landed  at  Pool,  and  lodged  again 
at  Moles  Neave ;  he  was  a  kind  hither  and 
brother  to.  me*  After  my  return,  I  felt  afraid 
I  had  loll  the  penny,  in  not  calling  at  the  other 
place,  not  feeling  that  fxveetnefs  of  mind  I  did 
before,  for  obedience  in  every  fmall  act  bring- 
eth  peace,  fo  doth  every  fmall  aft  of  difobe- 
dience  obftruft  it  :  I  have  great  caufe  to  cry 
out  againil  myfelf  and  fay,  that  though  it 
feemed  there  never  was  a  more  unfaithful  fer- 
vant  laboured  in  his  vineyard,  yet  the  Lord's 
mercies  are  great  towards  me. 

After  taking  a  meeting  at  Afhmore,  we  came 
to  Shafcibury,  and  on  firft-day,  I3th  of  the  8th 
mo.  were  at  their  meeting,  which  was  a  ten- 
dering feafon  :  here  Morris  Birkbeck  parted 
wi.th  us.  Then  attended  monthly  meeting  at 
Melkfham,  where  our  fpirits  were  refrefhcd  to- 
gether, as  they  were  alto  next  day  at  their 
week-day  meeting.  I  then  viiited  fome  families, 
and  the  meetings  at  Divizes,  Lavington  and 
Marlborough,  lodged  and  icfted  next  day  at 
Calne,  and  firft-day,  2oth,  attended  the  meet- 
ing at  Charleot,  eight  miles ;.  and  returning  to 
Calne,  I  parted  with  my  dear  friend  S. 
Stephenfon,  (he  hearing  her  aged  mother  was 
fick;  it  was  no  fmall  trial  to  me,  but  I  could 
not  difqourage  her*  After  meeting  at  Calne, 
we  attended  meetings  at  Chippenham,  Pick- 
wick, Hullavington,  Broomham ;  and  on  firft- 
day,  27th,  two  at  Bradford,  and  though  there 
are  only  a  few  members  of  our  ibciety,  the 


meeting  was  large  in  the  afternoon:  they  were 
profitable  feafons.  Then  vifiting  a  fmall  number 
of  Friends  at  Weftbury,  we  came  to  the  quar- 
terly meeting  at  Devizes,  where  I  was  glad  to 
meet  William  Matthews;  the  meeting  proved 
a  heavy  feafon  to  me,  bur  at  their  week-day 
meeting  next  day,  I  had  un  open  time,  arid  was 
glad  I  was  there.  Here  I  parted  with  Either 
Moxham:  then  going  to  Farming! on,  Mary 
Powell,  a  tender  friend,  went  with  me,  taking 
meeting  there  on  firil-diiy;  3^  of  c/th  month, 
were  at  meeting  at  Abington,  which,  though  a 
fmall  poor  meeting,  1  thought  our  LVlafter  owned 
us.  Thence  to  Witney,  Charlbury  and  Milton, 
•where  my  dear  Matter  caufed  me  to  tafle  of 
his  remembrance  ia  a.ftn*nge  land:  I  had  miffed 
thefe  meetings  when  in  this  county  before,  on 
account  of  the  circular  meetings.  Then  parted 
with  my  dear  friend  M.  Powell,  \vho-is  a  fweet 
fpirited  woman,  and  weighty  in  mind.  I  had  a 
precious  meeting  at  Burford,  it  pleafed  the  Lord 
to  open  the  fprings  of  life,  fo  that  my  fpirit  was 
tendered;  oh,  may  he  have  the  honour  of  his 
own  works,  and  my  mouth  be  laid  in  the  duft 
before  him,  and  feek  for  an  abafed  ftate,  day 
by  day,  fo  that  I  may  experience  a  rifing  with 
the  feed,  for  it  feems  almoft  famifhed  in  fome 
parts  of  this  land. 

Firfl-day,  loth  of  pth  month,  at  Gloucefter, 
we  had  a  low  feafon,  with  Friends  only,  but  in 
the  afternoon  I  hope  there  was  fome  good 
gathered.  My  friend  Sarah  Squires,  of  Charl- 


:  jo?  3 

bury,  went  with  me  to  Bicefler,  where  I  thought 
truth  gained  the  vi<5lory,  although  the  fore  part 
was  a  difturbed  meeting.  Firft-day,  lyth  of 
9th  month,  rode  twelve  miles  to  meeting  at 
S  hat  ford,  which  proved  a  tender  feafon,  I  was 
made  glad  I  came  there,  having  forae  thoughts 
of  omitting  it,  but  I  had  the  reward  of  peace. 
Then  going  to  Eatington,  my  companion  parted 
\\ith  me,  and  I  went  fix  miles  to  the  monthly 
meeting  of  Brails,  where  I  met  with  many  of 
my  dear  friends,  whom  I  had  before  been  ac- 
quainted with,  and  we  were  glad  to  fee  each 
other;  I  had  indeed  no  caufe  to  regret  my 
coming  here,  but  I  have  abundant  reafon  to 
fpeak  well  of  my  good  Mafter;  oh,  that  I  may 
dwell  low  and  in  an  humble  frame  of  mind,  and 
give  all  the  honour  to  his  glorious  name.  We 
went  alfo  to  Berkfwell,  to  fit  with  a  few  Friends 
who  attended,  they  were  advanced  in  years,  and 
I  feared  they  were  a  difcouragement  to  others; 
I  had  an  open  meeting  with  them. 

Firft-day,  24th  of  Qth  month,  I  was  at  meet- 
ing in  Coventry:  thence  took  quarterly  meeting 
at  Warwick,  which  proved  a  favourable  feafon ; 
William  Matthews  and  Rebecca  Jones  were  alfo 
there.  Returning  to  Coventry,  Mary  Brindfon 
joined  me  as  a  companion,  and  we  went  to 
Hinckley,  and  lodged  in  a  Friend's  family,  with 
whom  I  have  been  fomewhat  acquainted;  my 
fpirit  was  much  exercifed  about  them,  thinking 
them  in  a  dangerous  place,  as  I  often  feel  myfelf, 
Aud  often  find  need  to  feek  unto  the  Lord,  to 


protect  me  from  the  many  fnarcs  of  this  vain 
world,  for  there  are  many  things  that  dull  the 
brightnefs  of  truth  and  riglueoufnefs,  that  other- 
wife  might  fhine  through  his  faithful  fervams. 
fa  that  they  would  be  way-marks  to  enquirers 
after  falvation;  but  how  many  do  I  fee  in  this 
land,  that  feem  quite  on  the  other  hand,  which 
[  remark  with  forrow,  yet  I  find  fome  that  long 
to  come  up  to  the  mark  of  pious  example,  in 
the  way  that  leads  to  righteoufnefs  and  falva- 
tion. Thence  taking  meetings  at  Leiccfler, 
Cattle  Donnington  and  Loughborough,  which 
were  all  precious  feafons,  came  to  Nottingham 
to  John  Storer's,  who  was  gone  to  America  on 
a  religious  vifit.  Here  I  relied  a  day,  feeling 
very  low  in  mind:  R.  Grubb  called  to  fee  me, 
and  my  fpirit  was  much  revived,  fo  that  I  ex- 
perienced the  faying,  as  iron  (harpeneth  iron, 
1")  a  man  fharpeneth  the  countenance  of  his 
friend. 

Firft-day,  ift  of  loth  month,  I  went  to  meet- 
ing at  Nottingham,  and  vilited  (he  family  of 
John  Lever,  whole  wife  Mary  Lever,  was  once 
in  our  land;  (he  was  now  abfent  on  a  religious 
vilit.  Thence  taking  meetings  at  Breach, 
Furnace  and  Monyafh,  which  were  all  favoured 
feafons;  oh,  may  my  fpirit  humbly  bow  to  the 
Lord  for  all  his  many  favours  which  he  hath 
beftowed  upon  my  poor  foul,  in  this  foreign 
hind:  he  is  pleafed  to  ftrip  and  to  clothe  us  as 
he  fees  fit,  blcffed  be  his  holy  name,  he  has 
fomewhat  filled  my  empty  cup  again,  but  I  dare 


not  joy  but  with  trembling,  left  my  joy  fhould 
be  turned  into  mourning;  oh  Lord,  caufe  me 
to  (land  firm,  and  give  me  an  equal  mind. 

Firfl-day,  8th  of  loth  month,  were  at  Sheffield 
meetings,  which  were  blefled  unto  us.  Thence 
to  Cheiterfield,  Mansfield,  Broomhoufe,  Blyth, 
and  Retford ;  fome  of  which  were  precious 
meetings.  I  was  told  there  were  feveral  meet- 
ing-houfes  belonging  to  Friends  in  this  county 
where  there  are  now  no  meetings  kept  up;  thefe 
are  melancholy  accounts,  but  the  crofs  is  very 
much  dimmed,  fo  true  religion  withers  away, 
which  is  very  painful,  but  I  believe  the  Lord 
will  be  clear,  and  I  hope  his  fervants  will  be 
clear,  in  warning  and  inviting  jhe  people  to 
turn  to  the  Lord.  We  called  to  fee  a  Friend 
whofe  hufband  it  was  thought  had  removed 
eight  miles  from  Friend's  meeting,  to  keep  her 
from  going  to  them;  my  fpirit  feh  with  her, 
and  I-  thought  the  Lord  would  make  way  for 
her,  if  Hie  would  be  faithful,  but  her  work 
rnuft  be  hard,  (landing  fo  alone,  but  the  Lord 
can  make  hard  things  cafy. 

Firfl-day,  15th  of  ic-th  month,  were  at  meet- 
ing at  Broughton,  which  was  a  tendering  feafon  j 
I  faw  what  a  bleiTed  thing  it  was  to  (land  on 
holy  ground.  After  meeting  my  mind  was  ex- 
ercifed  to  viiit  all  the  families  belonging  thereto, 
which  I  performed  and  felt  peace  for  my  labour. 
After  taking  meetings  at  Waddington,  where 
it  pleafed  my  good  Matter  to  open  the  fprings 
of  life,  1  felt  a.  concern  to  have  a  meeting  ap- 


C     no     ) 

pointed  in  the  city  of  Uncoln,  where  there  is  a 
meeting-houfe  but  no  Friends;  it  was  no  fmall 
crofs  to  give  up  to  it,  I  tried  to  make  excufes, 
but  found  that  would  not  do,  and  I  a  Iked  for 
ilrength  to  fubmit  to  the  Lord's  commandment, 
iind  that  his  righteous  will  might  be  done,  that 
being  the.  oniy  place  of  fafety:  I  had  rode 
through  the  place  about  a  year  before,  and  i'elc 
a.  like  concern  on  my  mind:  the  meeting  was 
appointed,  and  although  not  large,  we  were 
favoured  with  a  good  feafon,  and  I  had  peace  of 
mind  in  obeying  the  divine  manifefhuion :  oh, 
that  I  may  ever  ferve  him  with  a  willing  mind, 
and  if  but  one  foul  can  receive  a  little  barley- 
bread,  through  fo  poor  an  inftrument  as  1  am, 
it  will  be  a  great  reward  tome.  My  heartfelt 
truly  grateful  to  my  kind  Matter,  who  calling 
me  from  my  outward  habitation,  to  vilit  this 
land,  fuftained  me  through  many  forrowful 
nights  and  lonely  days,  under  deep  travail  of 
fpirit;  he  alone  knoweth  them,  and  when  he 
pleafuh  to  open  his  blefled  (lores  to  me,  I  am 
richly  rewarded,  and  count  them  but  fmall. 

22dof  ictfi  month,  \vas  at  two  meetings  at 
Brigg,  where  we  were  much  favoured,  parti- 
cularly in  the  afternoon,  when  many  not  of  our 
fociety  came,  and  were  quiet  and  attentive. 
We  u lib  had  a  precious  meeting  at  Vvrainfieet, 
and  another  at  Lcck,  then  one  at  Bofton,  where 
only  one  member  attends  the  meeting,  but 
others  came  in,  and  we  had  a  good  open  time. 
Then  going  to  Spalding.  I  received  fome  ac- 


(  III  ) 

counts  from  my  dear  hufband  and  children  that 
they  were  well,  which  is  a  great  relief  to  my 
mind,  as  the  accounts  before  left  him  fo  very 
poorly,  that  my  children  doubted  his  recovery. 
•  i it-day,  loth  month,  2Qth,  were  at  two 
meetings  at  Spalding,  both  weighty  feafons: 
then  going  to  Gedney,  my  mind  was  much  ex- 
ercifed  in  fofrow,  to  fee  how  the  mighty  have 
fallen,  and  how  the  people  have  turned  into; 
by-paths,  and  but  few  that  lay  it  fufficiendy  ro 
heart;  yet  I  have  no  doubt  there  is  a  living 
feed,  although  the  number  appears  fmall;  oh, 
that  they  may  be  enlarged,  but  they  are  much 
borne  upon  by  the  libertines:  I  pray  the  Lord 
to  endue  them  with  double  llrcngth,  that  they 
may  not  be  turned  either  to  the  right  hand  or 
to  the  left,  but  be  favoured  to  make  their  paths 
ftraight  through  the  wildernefs  of  this  worfd, 
before  the -Lord,  fo  as  to  be  as  bright  and  Qiin- 
ing  (tars  as  in  former  times,  when  the  Lord  was 
pieafed  to  raife  us  up  to  be  a  people,  to  {land 
bold  for  his  honour,  and  the  crofs  was  made 
their  delight  in  the  Lord,  although  it  led  to 
prifons  and  the  Hocks,  but  now  it  is  fhunned 
and  trampled  upon  in  the  ilreets.  We  attended 
meetings  at  Gedney,  thence  to  Wiibeach  and 
Wareham,  feveral  of  them  I  had  viiited  before, 
but  falling  in  my  way  deiired  to  take  the"m 
ag:un,  being  fmall  meetings  and  not  fo  often 
viiited  as  larger;'  the^  were  favoured  feafons, 
and  my  foul  was  humbled  in  defires,  that  the 
Moil  High  wpuld  abafe  it  more  and  more,  until 
K  2 


(  111  ) 

he  brings  me  where  I  ought  to  be,  fo  that  I 
might  obtain  his  bleffed  notice,  and  be  carried 
through  this  vitlr  to  the  honour  of  his  great 
name,  to  the  peace  of  my  own  foul,  and  to  the 
comfort  of  my  dear  friends,  who  are  deeply 
bowed  for  me.  After  attending  two  meetings 
at  Lynn,  I  villted  two  aged  women,  to  the 
llrengthening  of  my  drooping  fpirit.  Thence 
to  Fakcnham,  where  my  mind  was  much  drawn 
to  the  people,  and  this  meeting  was  exercifmg 
to  me,  as  I  was  very  jealous  of  myfelf,  but  we 
had  a  moll  favoured  ieafon,  and  my  mind  was 
humbly  thankful  therefor:1  I  was  led  to  treat 
upon  the  fubject  of  people  being  led  tc  do  vio- 
lence to  their  own  life,  that  the  Lord  had  de- 
livered my  foul  from  fuch  a  temptation,  and 
that  he  is  able  to  deliver  every  foul  therefrom, 
.that  put  their  truii  and  confidence  in  him:  one 
of  the  Friends  prefem  told  me  afterwards,  he 
was  under  a  ftrong  temptation  of  that  fort. 

We  then  went  to  the  meetings  of  Wells, 
Holt  and  North-Walfham,  which  were  favoured 
feafons;  and  firft-day,  nth  month,  1 2th,  were 
at  meeting  at  Yarmouth,  and  in  the  afternoon 
attended  a  funeral,  which,  with  an  opportunity 
with  the  mourners,  were  precious  feafons. 
Thence  going  to  Norwich,  met  with  Mehitable 
Jenkins  and  Ann  Aumack,  whom  I  was  rejoiced 
to  fee  in  health:  attended  meeting  there,  and 
then  taking  meetings  at  Taibnrgh,  Tivitfliail 
and  Difs,  returned  back  to  Norwich,  where  I 
was  fo  much  indifpofed  as  moftly  to  keep  my 


bed;  but  on  firft-day,  i9th,  attended  their  two 
meetings,  which  were  both  filent,  reded  and 
wrote  to  rny  dear  hufband,  and  then  attended 
-the  monthly  meeting  there,  which  was  a  bit  fled 
feafon :  we  had  alio  a  refrefhing  meeting  at 
Wymondham,  where  my  companion  was  much 
favoured  m  teftimony.  Thence  took  a  meeting 
at  Attleborough,  and  returned  to  Norwich,  and 
on  firft-day,  26th  of  nth  month,  had  two  fatisfac- 
rory  meetings  there,  and  next  day  Mehitab!e 
Jenkins  joined  me,  and  we  united  as  companions, 
and  -I  hope  our  heavenly  Father  will  conned 
our  hearts  and  fouls  together  as  David's  and 
Jonathan's  were,  that  our  ways  my  pleafe  him 
in  going  out  and  coming  in  before  the  Lord 
and  his  people,  and  find  favour  in  his  fight. 
Thence  taking  meetings  at  Wells,  Holt  and 
Lammas,  returned  to  Norwich  again,  and  had 
a  weighty  feafon  in  the  family  of  Editmikl 
Peckover,  feveral  Friends  coming  in.  After 
attending  two  meetings  on  firft-day,  to  fatis- 
fadtion,  at  Yarmouth,  and -vifi ting  a  fick  friend, 
we  took  meetings  at  Pakeiield,  Beccles  and 
Leifton:  oh,  that  the  Lord  would  (hake  the 
dry  bones,  and  breathe  the  breath  of  fife'  upon 
them,  that  the  blefle-d  truth  may  not  be  fo  m'ucli 
denied  as  to  fall  in  the  ftreets. 

Firft-day,  icth  of  mh  month,  We  went  to 
meeting  at  Woodbridge:  thence  the  meetings 
of  Ipfwich,  Mendleiham,  and  the  firft-day  fol- 
lowing, were  at  two  meetings  at  Needham;  we 
were  iilfo  at  the  quarterly  meeting  there,  where 


xvas  abundance  of  preaching,  but  myfelf  and 
companion  were  filent  in  the  public  meeting. 
We  arurwards  vifited  the  meetings  of  Ran- 
tefdon,     Edmundfbury,    Bardwcll,    Thetford, 
Brandon,  Mildenhall,  Haverhill,  Sudbnry,  and 
fo  to  Halftead,  in  EfTex:  thence  to  Colne,  and 
on  firft-day,  31(1  of  i2th  month,  at  two  meetings 
at  Colchefter;  mo  ft  of  which  meetings  were 
favoured  opportunities,  and  my  dear  companion 
had  good  fervice  in  many  of  them.     Thence 
we  took  the  meetings  of  Manning-tree,  Copt- 
ford,  Coggefhall,  Kelvedon,  William,  Chdtof- 
ibrd,  and  going  to  Stonehall,  lodged  at  William 
Knight's,  vrho  had  a  cancer 'in   his  face;  we 
had  a   blefled   opportunity   with  him,  to  our 
mutual   comfort.     Next  day  rode  to  London, 
and  lodged  at  J.  Sevan's,  6th  of  ifl  month, 
1787.     We  ftaid    in  London  fome  time,   at- 
tended the  quarterly  and    other  meetings    as 
they  came    in  courfe;    fame  of  which    were 
feeling  foafons;  but  oh,  the  need  of  dwelling 
low,  great  were  rny  exercifes  in  this  place,  and 
though  filence  has  been  frequently   my  lot,  I 
have  fometimes  had  a  little  to  fay,  and  found 
peace,  and  I  have  thought  my  companion  has 
been  favoured. 

aid  of  id  month,  being  firft-day,  we  were  at 
two  meetings  at  Chelrasford,  which  were  fa- 
voured feafons,  calling  for  humble  acknowledg- 
ment. Thence  went  to  Dunmow,  the  fore 
part  of  the  meeting  feemed  a  dull  time,  but  in 
the  latter  part  my  companion  was  greatly  fa- 


(    "5    ) 

voured  in  (application,  and  h;id  fome  fervlce-, 
and  the  meeting  ended  quiet  and  well,  I  hope 
to  the  honour   of  truth.     We  had  a  blcfled 
meeting  alfo  at  Stebbing;  I  thrnk  I  never  knew 
my  companion  more  favoured1,  and  after  meeting 
my  mind  was  fweetly  clothed  with-  the  remem- 
brance of  God's  love   to  me  from  my  youth 
until  this  time ;  may  I  live  more  and  more  under 
a  humble  fenfe  of  the  many  mercies  he  hath 
extended  to  me  a  poor  worm.     Thence  we  took 
meetings  at  Felftead,  Thaxted  and  Bardtield, 
which  were  favoured   feafons.     We  then  went 
to  Walden,  and  ibid   their  meetings  on  firft- 
day,  24th  of  id:  -month,  and  lodged  at  George 
Gibtbn's,  whofe  wife  was  once  in  our  land; 
\ve  alfo  (laid  their  monthly  meeting,  and  then 
took  the  meetings  of  Walden,  Bifhopftortford, 
Stanfled,  Hoddefdon,  Ware,  and  fo  to  Hert- 
ford meetings  on  firft-day,  taking  our  lodgings 
at  John  Prior's;  we  alfo  (laid  their  monthly 
meeting,  which  was  a  tendering  feafon.    Thence 
to   the    meetings   of    Buntingford,    Royflon, 
Afhwell,  Baldock,  Stratford,  and   to  the  meet- 
ings.of  Hitchin  on  firft-day,  nth  of  id  month, 
where  we  met  W.  Matthews  and  R.  Wright, 
and  I  received  information  that  my  dear  huf- 
band  was  thought    to  be  nearly  gone  in  a  de- 
cline; k  was  very  trying  to  me,  -but  may  the 
will  of  the  Lord  be  done,  for  he  truly  knoweth 
what  is  beft  for  me:  oh,  Lord,  if  thou  wilt  but 
be  with  me,  fo  that  I  may  not  bring  difhonour 
upon  thy  holy  name,  it  is  all  that  I  require  at 


thy  bountiful  hand,  and  that  will  make  all  hard 
things  eafy. 

W.  Matthews  and  R.  Wright  going  for 
London,  we  took  the  meetings  of  Luton,  Ampt- 
hill,  Huntingdon,  Svvacey,  Ives,  Ramfay,  War- 
boys,  Chatteris,"  Sutton,  Littleport,  and  on 
firft-day,  25th  of  2d  month,  to  Erith;  moft  of 
which  were  favoured  feafons.  Next  day  had  a 
*  public  meeting  at  Ives,  which  was  very  large, 
fome  fuppofed  there  were  nearly  one  thoutand 
people  gathered.  We  then  went  to  Hurning- 
don,  and  had  a  public  meeting,  wherein  we 
were  both  favoured;  and  then  proceeded  to 
Oakham,  took  the  meeting  there,  alfo  meetings 
at  Raunds,  Weilingborough,  and  on  firft-day, 
4th  of  3d  month,  at  Finedon,  Thence  to  the 
monthly  meeting  at  Geddington,  where  my 
heart  was  humbled  under  a  fenfe  of  the  Lord's 
goodnefe  to  me  during  my  ftay  in  this  land. 
We  then  proceeded  tp  take  meetings  at"  Ket- 
tering,  Northampton  and  Bugbrook,  and  my 
companion  being  unwell,  we  fcaid  over  firiU 
day,  iith  of  ^d  month,  and  file  received  a 
letter  from  her  hufband,  informing  of  the  death 
of  her  eldeft  fon,  which  was  no  fmall  exercife 
to  her;  but  the  good  hand  is  near,  opening 
oar  way  day  by  day  through  many  dry  feafons. 
We  then  took  meetings  at  Sherrington,  it 
feemed  to  be  a  cloudy  time,  but  light  broke  forth 
and  it  was  a  tendering  feafon;  may  my  foul 
bow  down  to  the  God  of  my  life,  and  give  the 
honour  and  praife  to  him  aloue,  who  hath  heard 


(     "7     ) 

my  prayers  out  of  the  deeps,  and  healeth  my 
wounds;  may  I  always  obey  him  with  a  willing 
mind.  Thence  attended  meetings  at  Hogfty- 
end,  Leighton,  Buckingham,  Aylefbury,  Tring, 
Chefham,  Amerfham,  High  Wycombe,  Jor- 
dans,  Charlywood,  Hemcl  Hemftead,  Albans, 
and  fo  to  London;  many  of  which  meetings 
were  much  favoured  feafons;  bleffed  be  my 
good  Matter  for  his  favours  manifefted  many 
ways  on  this  journey. 

In  London  we  met  with  Z.  Dicks  and  R. 
Wright,  whom  I  was  glad  to  fee,  my  fpirit  being 
very  low.  We  then  took  meetings  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  London,  at  Barking,  Plail- 
tow,  Epping,  two  at  Tottenham,  Winchmore- 
hill,  Enfield,  and  Waltham  Abbey.  May  my 
heart  be  truly  humbled  to  return  fuitable  ac- 
knowledgment to  the  Lord  Jehovah,  in  whom 
is  everlafting  ftrength,  and  who  carries  us 
through  all  he  requires  of  us ;  oh,  the  many 
baptizing  fearching  feafons  my  fpirit  felt,  yet 
had  to  rejoice  in  the  Lord's  dealing  with  my 
poor  foul,  to  wafli  and  fit  me  for  every  day's 
work ,  with  renewed  remembrance  of  his  mercies 
who  worked)  many  ways  for  my  fafety ;  great 
and  wonderful  are  all  his  glorious  works:  oh, 
that  thou,  oh  Lord,  wouldit  never  forget  me, 
but  uphold  me  by  thy  free  fpirit,  through  time, 
and  conduct  me  fafe  to  the  end,  fo  that  I  may- 
be lifted  up  to  praife  thce  among  thy  faints  and 
angels,  and  the  fpirits  of  juft  men  made  perfect,. 


entering  into  true  reft  in  that  enclofure  where 
nothing  can  hurt  or  harm  me  any  more. 

During  my  late  abfence  from  London,  I  heard' 
of  the  death  of  John  Doliin,  a  very  valuable, 
fober  man;  he  hath  left  a  wife  and  three  chil- 
dren, he  will  be  much  milTed  in  the  city  of 
London :  I  received  a  letter  from  him  fome  time 
fince,  which  is  as  follows : 

<c  LONDON,  2d  mo.  2d,  1787. 

"  Dear  Friend, 

"  PATIENCE  BRAYTON, 
"  THOU  and  thy  dear  companion  have  been 
frequently  and  affectionately  brought  to  my  re- 
membrance llnce  parting  with  you,  with  an  in- 
creafmg  defire  that  I  might  be  found  faithful, 
coming  up  in  the  footfleps  of  the  flock  of  the 
companions  of  Chriit,  and  be  made  truly  willing 
to  be  their  companion,  in  fuffering  as  well  as  in 
rejoicing,  in  which  tribulated  path  I  have  de* 
fired  in  my  fmall  meafure  to  be  enabled  to  fym- 
pathize  with  thee,  my  dear  friend,  whole  lot 
hath  been  to  be  deeply  baptized,  and  to  go  down 
as  unto  the  bottom  of  Jordan  again  and  again; 
blefTed  be  his  name  whofe  \vifdom  is  unfearch- 
able,  and  his  ways  pail  finding  out,  how  is  he 
gracioufly  pleafed'to  lead  about  and  innru<ft  his 
depending  children,  bringing  them  through1  a 
variety  of  Hates,  whereby  they  are  enabled  to 
{peak  comfortably  unto  others,  and  having 


ihemfclves  brought  up  from  the  wry  bottom  of 
Jordan,  (tones  of  memorial  to  the  mercy  and 
goodnefs  of  their  God,  are  at  times  qualified  to 
fay  unto  the /weak  in  faith,  be  ftrong,  and  to 
thofe  \vho  have  no  might  of  their  own,  put  on 
ftrcngth.  I  feel  that  love  to  flow  towards  thee, 
thou  dear  Mother  in  Ifrael,  which  is  better  felt 
than  cxprefled,  and  I  am  made  to  rejoice  in  the 
fenfibie  feeling  thereof,  wherein  the  living  are 
bound  up  together  in  the  covenant  of  love  and 
life,  and  their  cups  made  to  overflow  in  reve- 
rent thankfgiving,  and  they  enabled  to  rejoice 
even  in  tribulation,  to  rejoice  that  they  are  not 
only  counted  worthy  to  believe  in,  but  alfo  to 
fiifler  for  his  bleiTed  name  and  the  feed's  fake. 
And  now,  dear  friend,  be  encouraged  to  cad 
thy  care  on  the  Almighty,  and  he  will  fuflain 
theer  who  hath  promifed  to  be  as  a  hufband  to 
the  widow,  and  as  a  father  to  the  fatlrerlefs 
children,  who  put  their  truft  in  him;  may-hisf 
bleflt'd  prefence  go  along  with  (bet,  and  be  thy 
companion,  not  only  in  thy  going  out,  but  in 
thy  corning  in  and  returning  hoihe,  be  thy  flay 
and  thy  ftaff,  and  thy  exceeding  great  reward ; 
giving  thee  largely  to  partake  of  the  {heaves  of 
iweet  peace,  which  is  the  portion  of  the  obe- 
dient foul.  I  fully  believe,  dear  friend,  that 
there  is  a  further  arduous  lervice  for  thee  to 
perform  in  this  great  city ;  but  be  not  difrrr.iycd, 
although  it  may  be  given  thee  to  ihrefh  the 
mountains,  feeing  the  mountain  of  the  Lord's 
liouic  (hall  be  exalted  on  the  top  of  a  1-1  the 


mountains,  and  die  place  of  his  feet  fhall  be 
glorious.  He  that  hath  called,  is  faithful  to  ad- 
minifter  flrength  to  his  truly  depending  children, 
proportioned  to  the  work  of  the  day;  he 
maketh  his  little  ones  as  Davids,  and  his  j)avids 
as  the  angels  of  his  prefence;  he  caufeth  the 
mountains  to  flee  before  them  like  rams,  and 
the  little  hills  like  lambs,  at  the  glory  of  his 
rnajefty  and  the  brightnefs  of  his  arifing:  even 
one,  is  through  his  mighty  power  to  chace  a 
thoufand,  and  two  put  ten  thoufand  to  flight, 
before  whom  the  nations  of  men  are  made  but 
as  grafs-hoppcrs. 

"  Accept,  dear  friend,  with  thy  companion, 
my  mod  cordial  love,  whofe  earned  defire  is, 
that  I  may  be  made  meet  to  be,  not  only  your 
truly  affectionate  friend,  but  according  to  my 
fmall  meafure,  your  faithful  fellow-labourer  in 
the  kingdom  and  patience  of  Jefus  Chrift. 

"  JOHN  DOLLING 

After  the  quarterly  meeting  I  went  to  fee  the 
widow  Dollin  and  her  children,  and  felt  greatly 
with  her  in  her  trouble. 

icth  of  4th  month,  I.  went  with  my  dear 
companion  on  board  (hip,  to  fee  if  it  fuited  her 
to  take  pafTagehome;  we  had  a  favoured  time, 
and  1  felt  my  faith  (Irengthened  and  confirmed, 
that  the  time  was  not  yet  come  for  my  de- 
parture; yet  I  was  afraid  left  I  fhould  be  mil- 
taken  in  my  profpccl,  for  I  longed  to  get  home, 
and  I  had  vifued  all  but  a  few  meetings  in  this 


hind,  but  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done  and  not 
mine. 

Firft  of  the  week,  i  ith  of  4th  month,  \ve  went 
to  Horflydown  meeting  in  the  forenoon,  and  in 
the  afternoon  went  to  the  burying  of  dear  John 
Dollin  ;  a  large  number  of  people  attended  at 
Grace  Church  meeting  on  the  occafion.  1  re- 
mained in  and  about  London  until  the  yearly 
meeting,  taking  meetings  as  they  came  in  cowrie 
in  the  city,  and  alfo  the  meetings  of  Brentford, 
Kingfton,  Edier,  Guildford,  Godahning,  Capel, 
Dorking,  Ryegate,  Croydon  and  Deptford ; 
I  \vas  glad  in  taking  thefe  meetings  again,  be- 
lieving it  was  my  place,  and  feveral  Friends  ex« 
preffed  to  me  they  were  comforted  by  our  viiir, 
and  flrengthened  by  our  fitting  together.  My 
heart's  deiire  is  to  be  humbly  thankful  to  the 
God  of  my  life.,  who  has  been  my  helper  to  this- 
day ;  he  has  carried  me  through  (lep  by  ftep  in 
trembling  and  great  fear ;  may  his  glorious  aid  be 
with  me  through  time.  1  now  long  to  fee  my 
way  open  to  return  home;  it  feems  to  me  to  be 
drawing  near,  but  I  do  net  yet  fee  the  time  ;  I 
lately  heard  my  dear  huiband  was  recruiting  in, 
his  health;  this  was  unexpected  from  the  lad  ac- 
counts I  had  from  him,  and  it  filled  my  heaic 
with  humble  thankfulnefs  to  my  heavenly 
Mailer,  who  called  me  to  leave  him,  and  who 
has  done  fo  much  for  me,  and  continues  (till  to 
do  more  than  I  am  worthy  of,  or  dare  alt;  for 
he  hath  fpared  me  my  own  life  and  tlit  life  o£ 

L 


my  dear  hufband,  and  I  may  fay,  I  have  lacked 
nothing  in  my  journey  from  the  Lord. 

26th  of  5th  month,  the  yearly  meeting  be- 
gan, and  fecond-day  afternoon  the  women's 
meeting  opened,  and  I  thought  the  Father  of 
light  was  there,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord,  and 
his  love  filled  the  houfe;  I  attended  all  the  meet- 
ings, and  many  of  them  were  favoured  feafons. 
'After  which  I  changed  my  lodgings  on  account 
of  the  fmall-pox,  and  went  to  Simon  Bailey's, 
where  R.  Wright  has  her  lodgings ;  we  came 
together  again  unexpectedly  before  we  took 
Shipping.  I  now  feel  my  mind  nearly  ready  to 
take  my  leave  of  this  land.  Next  day  we  went 

,011  board  a  fhip~we   thought  of  taking  paflage 

i     via,  and  while  there  I  felt  very  peaceful  in  mind. 

\fter  which  I  accompanied  G.   Dilwyn,  and 

.  R".  Jones  to  a  meeting  of  the  young  men  and 
xvomen  fervants,  who  are  Friends  in  this  city. 

Although  I  had  been  thoughtful  of  returning 
home,  an  exercife  about  going  to  France  arofe, 
ib  that  I  was  obliged  to  layjt  before  my  dear 
Friends  of  the  morning  meeting,  to  feel  with 
me  in  ib  weighty  a  matter,  about  the  icth.of 
6th  month,  and  found  two  otner  Friends  were 
under  a  like  concern,  and  my  joy  was  grea*  in 
ir.y  obedience;  may  the  Lord  be  prailed  and 
obeyed  in  all  things,  faith  my  foul.  I  attended 
meetings  in  courfe  in  and  about  London,  until 
the  morning  meeting,  id  .oi  71)1  month,. when 
arer  weighing  oijr  profpt^is,  ouj:  Friends  couM 

» 


t  ••*!•;)     . 

not  fee  their  way  clear  to  fet  us  at  liberty  to  go 
to  France.  Then  continuing  attending  meet- 
ings in  courfe,  in  and  round  the  city,  my  mind 
was  made  peaceful  about  returning  home. 
22d,  attended  morning  meeting  of  minifters  and 
elders,  and  rode  feven  miles  out  of  London  ; 
had  a  favoured  meeting  and  returned,  feeling 
peace  to  run  in  my  foul  as  a  river,  rewarding 
for  performing  what  was  required  of  me  in  this 
land,  although  it  was  in  a  Hammering  broken 
manner.* 

\Ve  rode  twenty  two  miles  to  Gravefend,  ac- 
companied by  many  Friends,  and  meeting  many 
there,  had  a  precious  meeting.  On  the  26th 
of  yth  month,  we  went  on  board  the  ihip  Pigou,. 
Woolman  Sutton,  commander  ;  many  Friends 
went  with  us,  and  we  had  a  pleafant  opportunity 
again  before  we  parted.  Our  company  were 
William  Matthews,  Zachariah  Dicks/ Rebecca 
Wright,  Ann  Jeflup,  and  Martha  Mooney,  a 
young  woman  from  Ireland.  After  feven  or 
eight  days  contrary  winds,  and  feeling  pooi'ly, 
the  wind  came  fair,  and  we  all  began  to  grow 
better,  but  I  felt  low  in  fpirit;  Lord,  make  me 
contented,  and  fweeten  every  bitter  cup,  for 
what  are  my  fufferings,  accommodated  as  we 
are  on  {hip  board,  compared  with  thofe  of  the 
poor  Africans  in  their  tranfportation  to  ilavery; 

*  Alxnit  this  time  it  appears  flic  was  under  an  exercife  of  mind 
to  vifit  the  king,  but  the  w^y  not  opening  for  a  perfonal  interview 
at  that  time,  (he  font  him  au  addreis,  for  a  copy  of  which  fee  Ap- 
pendix. 


{     "4 

how  my  heart  feels  with  them.  On  firic  day, 
though  fick,  1  was  filled  with  joy  and  peace  that 
the  world  could  not  give,  nor  princes  cloijie 
my  foul  with,  neither  can  they  take  it  from  me, 
my  cup  overflowed  in  the  Lord's  goodnefs,  his 
light  mining  through  all,  to  the  healing  of  my 
poor  foul:  after  many  days  of  deep  baptizing 
feafons,  how  fweet  it  is  to  receive  the  joyful 
found,  Well  done:  Oh,  that  I  might  be  faithful 
to  ;he  Lord,  the  remaining  part  of  my  days. 

Firft-day,  zd  of  gth  month,  we  had  a  heavy 
florin;  but  my  mind  was  fweetly  clothed  whh 
peace  and  thankfgiving  to  the  Lord,  though  the 
violence  of  the  fea  was  Inch  as  to  caufe  the  veflH 
to  roll  fo  as  to  caft  me  out  of  an  armed  chair, 
and  Z.  D.  out  of  his  feat,  which  threw  us  to  the 
other  fide  of  the  cabin,  and  put  out  my  wrift: 
but  though  at  firft  I  felt  fome  difcouragement, 
a  fecret  thought  foon  ran  through  me  that  the 
Lord  might  favour  me  with  the  help  of  thofe 
around  to  fet  it  again  in  its  place,  and  Z.  D. 
and  another,  took  hold  of  my  wrift,  and  as  I 
told  them  to  pull,  it  was  fet  in  its  place.  The 
weather  was  fo  rough  as  to  prevent  our  having  a 
meeting  this  day;  but  on  fifth-day  following  we 
were  favoured  to  fit  together. 

Firfl-day,  9th  of  9th  month,  we  had  a  men- 
ing  on  board,  faw  the  land.,  and  took  a  pilot  on 
board;  and  on  the  loth  landed  at  Philadelphia: 
our  dear  friends  were  very  glad  to  fee  us,  and  I  • 
was  made  thankful  to  my  Lord  and  Mailer, 
who  had  called  out,  fenc  home,  and  preferved . 


(     '25     ) 

my  life  both  outward,  and  inward:  furely  it 
was  the  Lord's  doing,  and  it  is  marvellous  in 
mine  eyes.  My  arm  being  a  little  inflamed, 
and  having  fome  fever,  I  was  under  the  doctor's 
hands  while  in  Philadelphia,  fo  that  I  could  not 
attend  all  the  fittings  of  the  yearly  meeting, 
v.hich  began  the  22d  and  ended  the  29th  of 
9th  month. 

On  the  30!  of  loth  month  I  fet  out  with  a  • 
number  of  Friends  returning  from  the  yearly 
meeting,  and  confidering  the  \veaknefs  of  my 
Tvrift  bore  the  journey  as  well  as  I  could  expect, 
and  reached  Rahway  on  the  5th,  where  my 
friends  received  me  very  kindly  ;  I  flayed  meet- 
ings on  firft-day,  the  yth,  and  both  fore  and 
afternoon  were  favoured  meetings.  I  then 
proceeded  to  New-  York,  was  kindly  received 
by  Friends,  and  tarried  meeting  there,  and  on 
fixth-day,  the  i2th,  went  on  board  of  a  verTel, 
and  landed  the  1310  at  night  in  Newport.  The 
I4th  I  rode  to  Portfmouth  meeting,  which  was 
a  tendering  feafon  ;  and  hearing  my  dear  huf- 
band  was  very  fick,  made  me  prefs  forward, 
and  through  the  kindnefs  of  friends,  I  was  fa- 
youred  to  get  home  that  night,  and  found  my 
hufband  on  the  recovery,  and  my  children 


Oh  how  great  are  the  manifold  favours  re- 
ceived on  this  journey;  may  my  fpirit  be  truly 
melted  under  a  fenfe  of  his  bleffings,  who  hath 
performed  all  his  gracious  promifes  to  me,  a 
poor  unworthy  creature.  By  fea  and  by  laud, 


(       126       )      • 

the  Lord  has  been  my  helper;  he  hath  removed 
mountains  and  made  me  paths  in  the  deeps  to 
\valk  in,  praifed  be  his  name;  may  my  foul  be 
ever  humbly  bowed  to  him  for  his  continuance 
\vith  me,  all  the  remainder  of  my  days;  may  I 
ferve  and  obey  him  in  all  his  commands,  how- 
ever hard  to  my  natural  difpofition  to  fubmit  to. 
With  my,  other  dear  friends,  I  met  with  much 
love  and  rejoicing  at  feeing  each  other  again; 
and  I  have  received  the  wages  of  Peace. 


APPENDIX. 

ADDRESS. 
To  GEORGE  III.  King  of  Great-Britain,  &c. 

A  Nat  he  of  New-England ',  in  North-America^ 

and  one  of  the  People  called  Quaker  j,  begs 

leave  to  prefent  the  following  ADDRESS 

and  PETITION. 


M. 


.AY  the  Almighty  God  Wave  the  king, 
and  eilablifli  thee  and  thy  feed  after  iliee  on  thy 
throne  here,  and  enable  thee  fo  to  walk,  as  that 
when  thou  hail  done  with  all  things  on- this  fide 
the  grave,  admittance  may  be  obtained  into  the 
kingdom  of  everlafting  reft  and  peace!  I  have 
often  thought  of  thee  in  my  native  land,  and 
fmce  my  refidence  here  have  had  to  behold  how 
the  Lord  on  high  hath  bleffed  thy  kingdom 
beyond  other  kingdoms  of  the  earth;  and 
earneft  defires  hath  been  raifed  in  my  heart  for 
thee,  that  thou  mayeft  be  the  chofen  of  the  God 
in  Heaven,  to  fhew  kindnefsunto  thofe  who  are 
in  diftrefs ;  particularly  by  Mopping  the  progrefs 
of  .flavery,  and  promoting  the  freedom  of  the 
enfluved  negroes  in  thy  dominions,  as  far  as  lies 


r  128  ) 

in  thy  power;  fo  that  thy  righteous  afts  may 
never  be  erafcd  from  remembrance  as  long  as 
the  world  endures — that  he  by  whom  kings 
reign  and  princes  decree  juftice,  may  delight  to 
eflablifh  the  kingdom  over  which  thou  prefides, 
in  righteoufnefs,  and  that  a  door  may  be  opened 
for  other  nations  concerned  in  that  unrighteous 
traffic,  10  follow  fo  laudable  an  example.  The 
hearts  of  all  men  are  in  the  power  of  God,  and 
he'  by  thy  means  may  turn  the  hearts  of  other 
princes  to  feel  for  thofe  highly  injured  and 
deeply  diftrefled  people,  fo  ?.s  t:>  rife  up  and 
unite  in  the  fame  benevolent  defign;  and  it  is 
my  faith,  that  the  firft  of  them  who  fhall  pub- 
licly aiTert  their  caufe,  and  open  a  door  for  their 
deliverance,  the  Lord  of  the  whole  earth  will 
diltinguifh  by  his  peculiar  favour,  and  give  to 
rejoice  in  the  experience,  that  it  is  indeed 
righteoufnefs  alone  that  truly  cxalteth  a  nation. 
I  had  to  believe  feveral  years  before  I  left  my 
native  country,  that  the  Lord  would  give  thee 
an  offer  to  take  the  lead;  but  that  if  thou  re- 
fufcd,  he  would  choofe  another  to  fet  up  the 
ftandard  of  righteoufnefs  on  this  occafion, 
wherein  fo  large  a  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth  are  concerned;  many  of  whom  are  now 
groaning  in  thy  dominions  under  oppreffion 
fufficiently  grievous,  as  I  have  thought,  to  affect 
the  hearts  even  of  the  moft  obdurate.  Mayeft 
thou,  oh  king,  be  earneft  in  fupplication  as  one 
formerly  was,  whom  the  Lord  Mofh  High  called 
bis  fcrvant,  who  faid,  "  Take  from  me  a  (tony 


heart,  and  give  me  a  heart  of  fie(h,"that  as  Chrifl 
has  declared,  "  They  that  afk  ihall  receive," 
thine  may  be  tendered  and  enlarged  to  defirc 
and  promote  the  good,  not  only  of  thy  own 
people,  but  of  the  nations  around  thee ;  and  that 
thou  nUiyeft  be  enabled  in  the  time  of  ex- 
tremity, to  which  we  are  all  approaching,  to 
appeal  to  the  Searcher  of  the  heart  as  good  king 
Hezckiah  did,  "  Thou  knoweft  how  I  have 
walked  before  thee,  with  a  perfect  heart,  and 
have  done  that  which  is  good  in  thy  fight."  To 
be  thus  conlcious  that  thou  haft  not  turned  a 
deaf  ear  to  the  cry  of  the  poor  and  diftrdfed, 
will  then  be  an  experience  far  more  enriching 
than  any  which  the  fplendour  of  a  temporal 
crown  can  afford ;  becaufe  he  the  King  of  kings 
and  Lord  of  lords  hath  faid,  "  Blelfed  are  the 
merciful,  for  they  (hall  obtain  mercy."  Oh 
king,  thou  art  entrufled  with  great  ability  to  do 
good  under  him,  who  of  one  blood  created  all 
nations,  not  to  opprefs  and  deflroy  one  another, 
but  to  lend  a  hand  of  affiflance  where  it  is  needed 
in  our  feveral  ftations;  that  looking  down  on 
the  mutual  kindncfs  and  endeavours  of  his  chil- 
dren to  promote  each  other's  happinefs,  he  may 
delight  to  open  the  windows  of  heaven,  and 
add  to  the  temperate  enjoyment  of  his  temporal 
gifts,  thebldfing  of  his  divine  favour.  Under 
the  influence  of  this,  as  I  have  been  fometimes 
led  to  pray  for  thy  profperity,  it  hath  been 
opened  to  my  underftanding,  that  the  Lord  did 
love  thee,  and  that  if  thou  wen  faithful  in  the 


(  '30  ) 

promotion  of  righteoufnefs,  he  would  blefs  rhee 
as  he  did  king  Solomon,  with  both  fpirkual  and 

temporal  riches,  the  dew  of  heaven  and  fatnefs 
cf  the  earth;  for  the  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and 
the  fullnefs  thereof,  and  he  giveth  it  unto  whom- 
foever  it  plcaleth  him.  It  is  the  righteous  who 
are  to  enjoy  it  as  an  inheritance  from  him,  and 
delight  themfelves  in  abundance  of  peace;  and 
oh  that  thou  mayeft  be  of  the  number,  by  pro- 
moting an  extention  of  mercy  to  the  injured  and 
opprefTed  Africans.  In  the  hours  of  folid  re- 
tirement I  have  been  often  much  affefted  in 
viewing  their  diftreffes,  and  fmcel  have  been  in 
this  nation,  have  believed  it  required  of  me  as 
a  duty  to  lay  their  deplorable  cafe  before  thee, 
entreating  thy  interpoiition  on  their  behalf;  that 
in  the  day  of  inqnilition  for  blood  thou  mayeft 
ftand  clear  in  the  fight  of  God,  by  whom  not 
the  fayers  but  the  doers  of  the  law  will  be  juf- 
tiiied;  thofe  who  obey  his  injun&ions  will  par- 
take of  his  promifes,  and  fuch  as  fow  plentifully 
in  faith,  will  reap  accordingly  in  peace  and  joy. 
So  wifheth  my  heart  for  thee,  oh  king!  Be 
pleafed  to  accept  favourably  this  dillnterefted 
petition;  and  remember  that  the  Almighty 
Ruler  of  the  univerfe,  though  heaven  is  his 
throne  and  the  earth  his  footltool,  is  not  un- 
mindful of  the  pooreil  among  men,  but  gra- 
ciouily  condefcends  to  hear  and  anfwer  their 
petitions,  having  declared  that  "  For  the  cry  of 
the  poor  and  fighing  of  the  needy  he  will  ariie." 
PATIENCE  BRAYTON. 
LONDON,  23d  of  ;th  mo.  1787. 


LETTER  RECEIVED  BY  P.  B.  WHILE  IN 

ENGLAND. 
Friend, 

THAT  love  that  thinketh  no  evil,  and  re- 
joiceth  in  the  truth,  conflraineth  me  to  fay, 
that  your  exhortation  on  Wednefday  evening 
was  fuited  to  my  cafe  or  flate.  I  am  humbly 
thankful  God  hath  not  left  me  without  his 
witnefs  in  my  heart,  and  alfo  that  he  hath  in- 
clined you  to  point  me  out.  May  I  humbly 
and  patiently  wait  his  time  of  deliverance,  and 
follow,  by  faith,  his  fiery  and  cloudy  pillar,  all 
through  this  howling  wildernefs. 

I  have,  I  humbly  hope,  preached  Jefus  Chrift, 
b'ut  not  in  your  focicties,  and  I  hope  in  a  good 
meafure  with  a  {ingle  eye  to  the  glory  of  God. 
But,  having  lately  been  excrcifed  with  many 
and  fevere  trials,  from  the  profdTing  Church, 
have  been  led  to  retire  more  inward,  to  com- 
mune with  my  own  heart  and  be  dill.  I  fee 
my  own  ignorance,  my  will  worfhip,  my  forms 
and  modes,  and  Gofpel  fchemes,  my  unfeeling 
prayers,  and  often  unieafonable  preaching  with- 
out fpirit  and  life,  as  only  riling  from  a  carnal 
mind,  which  is  enmity  againil  God,  and  the 
imagination  exalting  itfelf  againil  him.  From 
fix  years  of  age  I  have  tafted,  at  ieaions,  divine 
love  and  favour;  but  I  mini  lament  that  I  have 
too,  too  often  loft  the  favour  of  his  precious 
truths  >  may  it  be  fo  no  more  !  Many  times 
(like  Ifniel.,)  have  I  been  delivered,  and  as 


often  like  them  have  I  provoked  him  by  dif- 
t'ruft,  &c.  yea  he  hath  chaftifed  me,  and  I  have 
been  like  a  bullock  unaccuftomed  to  the  yoke. 
-  Ah !  that  I  might  be  fo  moulded  into  his 
heavenly  image,  and  daily  learn  to  fay  experi- 
mentally, "  Thy  will  be  done."  He  indeed 
renewed  his  love  to  me,  that  evening,  and 
fince,  he  hath  caufcd  his  grace  to  diftil  as  the 
dew,  and  has  given  me  to  know,  that  in  his 
own  time  and  way,  he  will  lengthen  my  cords 
and  ftrengthen  my  (lakes,  and  caufe  me  to 
break  out  on  the  right  and  on  the  left. 

I  feel  my  fpirit  melting  while  I  write  this, 
v.ith  the  tendered  love  and  affection  towards 
you,  that  minifter  in  the  word,  and  towards 
your  focieties  ;  I  joy  in  your  joys,  and  mould 
forrow  in  your  forrows,  did  I  know  them. 
Pardon  me  if  I  go  too  far  in  faying,  that  I  have 
feen  in  my  mind  what  the  Lord  will  do  in  his 
own  time  :  Antichrift  will  fall  with  all  his 
powers,  and  a  pure  primitive  church,  perhaps 
like  thine,  arile  out  of  his  ruin,  for  in  the 
evening  time,  it  fhall  be  light— and  that  (hall 
fhine  brighter  and  brighter  to  the  peifeft  day. 
I  have  been  bunhened  with  the  weight  of 
awful  fearful  apprehenfion,  that  the  Lord  God 
hath  a  controverfy  with  us,  as  a  nation,  laden 
with  iniquity  ;  his  hand  has  been — -is — and 
will  be  ftretched  out  againft  us,  if  we  do  not 
repent,  and  turn  to  him  with  all  our  minds. 
Ah  Friends,  I  know  by  many  years  experience, 
though  I  am  but  a  young  man,  that  if  you  ar* 


(     '33     ) 

faithful  to  reprove,  publicly  and  privately,  you 
will  fuffer  perfecution,  perhaps  even  among 
fome  of  your  own  whole  hearted  people,  for 
all  are  not  Ifrael  (that  are  born  of  Ifrael ;)  but 
continue  you  faithful  unto  death,  and  you 
know,  who  hath  {aid,  he  will  give  you  a  crown 
of  life.  I  conclude,  may  the  peace  of  God 
rule  in  your  hearts,  and  may  yon  be  ilirred 
up  to  thankfulnefs  to  him  in  your  fpirit,  on  rriy 
account ;  and  may  all  who  heard  you  that 
evening,  if  he  fo  will,  meet  to  praife  for  ever. 
As  to  me,  at  a  fui table  feafon,  thy  people  {hall 
be  mine  ;  I  will  live  and  die  in  their  com- 
munion, and  among  them  will  I,  if  I  can  and 
the  Lord  pleaie,  be  buried.  Thy  God  is  my 
God,  and  to  his  grace  I  am  a  great  debtor. 
When  you  find  freedom  in  prayer,  remember 
you  affoflionate  friend,  *  *  *  * 


ANSWER  TO  THE  FOREGOING  LETTER. 

Dear  Friend, 

I  receive-d  the  letter  thou  fent  me :  I  wifh- 
/  well  to  all  mankind,  and  efpecially  to  the  truly 
leeking  foul,  that  has  nothing  in  view  but  its 
own  falvation  and  redemption  from  this  vain 
world  and  its  enticements  ;  fnch  will  the  Lord 
help,  and  will  not  lutTer  them  to  fall,  but  will 
uphold  thefe,  and  carry  them  through  the  wil- 
dernefs,  to  the  praife  of  his, great  name.  Oh! 

M 


that  thy  trull  may  be  in  him  alone  ;  do  not 
let  thy  eye  be  outward  to  human  power,  and 
the  wifdom  of  men  ;  it  is  faid  of  Nimrod,  that 
he  was  a  mighty  hunter  before  the  Lord  ;  he 
fet  up  Babel  and  was  confounded  ;  no  build- 
ing will  ihind  but  the  Lord's  building,  in  the 
day  of  account  that  is  coming  on  all  flefh,  and 
I  wifh  that  thou  mayefl  be  favoured  to  dwell 
low  and  humble  as  at  the  feet  of  Jefus,  a  fafe 
guide  that  leads  all  right,  he  is  the  way,  the 
truth,  and  the  life.  "One  formerly  could  anfwer 
him  and  fay,  thou  art .  Chrift  the  fon  of  the 
living  God  ;  and  the  Lord  bleffed  him,  and 
laid  that  flefb  and  blood  had  not  revealed  it 
unto  him,  but  his  Father  which  is  in  heaven  ; 
and  further  faid,  thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  this 
rock  will  I  build  my  church,  and  the  gates  of 
hell  fhall  not  prevail  againft  it.  I  believe  all 
thofe  that  take  him  for  a  guide  will  be  built 
on  that  rock,  will  be  led  in  the  way  of  life, 
and  kept  from  falling  ;  for  li£  will  dilcover  by 
his  enlightening  virtue  the  many  inares  that 
the  enemy  of  man's  happinefs  is  lecretly  laying 
for  them;  the  Lord  will  difcover  all  his  works, 
both  fmall  and  great,  to  us  poor  creatures,  and 
enable  man  to  cry  earneftly  to  be  delivered 
rrom  every  temptation  ;  oh,  then  man  will 
vitnefs  the  Lord  to  be  near,  ar>d  to  be  our 
helper  in  every  needful  time,  plucking  him  out 
of  the  hand  of  our  enemies,  whether  outward 
or  inward  ;  thofe  that  truft  in  him  with  a  fin- 
cere  heart  none  fkall  be  able  to  pluck 


C    '35    ) 

but  of  the  Lord's  hand,  for  he  that  is  willing 
to  undergo  any  thing  for  the  Lord's  fake,  will 
have  it  made  delightful  to  turn  his  cheek  to 
the  fmiter  ;  he  will  make  hard  things  eafy, 
and  we  (hall  count  it  our  joy  to  be  in  fuffering 
with  him,  and  be  crucified  to  the  world,  and 
the  world  unto  us  ;  all  our  joys  will  be  in  hea- 
ven and  upon  heavenly  things  ;  defires  will  be 
raifed  with  that  love  and  peace  that  the  world 
cannot  give  ;  we  (hall  want  all  mankind  to 
partake  of  the  fame,  and  fhall  be  favored  to 
pray  for  our  enemies,  that  the  Lord  may  turn 
their  hearts  to  that  love  that  wiiheth  well  to 
all  mankind.  We  have  need  to  wait  low  and 
be  thoroughly  waflied  and  purged  from  dark 
works  and  dark  imaginations  to  ferve  the 
living  God,  that  dwells  in  light,  and  that  light 
will  influence  our  hearts  one  to  another,  fo 
that  we  may  witnefs  the  faying  of,  "  Woe  is 
me  if  I  preach  not  the  Gofpel :"  feel  often  that 
neceility ,  for  it  is  the  love  of  God  fpread  abroad 
in  the  heart,  dcfiring  the  welfare  of  all  men-, 
that  they  may  witnefs  a  change  -  from  corrup- 
tion and  fin,  fo  as  to  put  on  Chrift  with  his 
deeds  of  righteoufnefs.  Oh,  dear  friend,  fuch 
will  the  Lord  uphold  with  his  free  fpirit,  and 
will  fet  bounds  to  the  proud  waves,  that  they 
fhall  go  fo  far  and  no  farther ;  for  the  Lord 
will  not  fuffer  the  honed  in  heart  to  be  tempted 
beyond  what  they  are  able  to  bear  ;  we  have 
an  High  Prieft  that  is  touched  with  a  feeling 
of  all  our  infirmities,  and  (lands  ready  to  help 

M   2 


C    '36    ) 

the  needy  foul,  that  longs  to  be  delivered  from 
all  fin,  that  fecrei  and  public  evils  may  be 
purged  away,  and  it  be  preferred,  to  the  Lord 
without  fpot  or  wrinkle  ;  oh,  the  Lord's  love 
and  mercy  will  be  extended  to  thefe,  for  neither 
grace  nor  truth,  nor  any  good  thing  will,  he 
withhold  from  thofe  who  love  him  :  I  may  fay, 
in  my  little  meafure  of  experience,  that  it  hath 
not  entered  into  the  heart  of  man  to  conceive 
the  good  things  that  the  Lord  hath  in  (lore  for 
them  that  love  him  ;  for  he  is  rich  to  all  them 
that  call  upon  him  with  a  fin  cere  heart,  ddiring 
to  be  made  fit  for  his  kingdom  ;  to  learn  con- 
tentment with  godlinefs,  which  is  great  gain, 
for  a  contented  mind  is  a  continual  read ;  may 
this  be  thy  happy  lot  is  the  fincere  deiire  of 
one  who  wifheth  well  to  all  mankind,  and  who 
hath  left  all  that  is  near  and  dear  in  this  world, 
for  the  fake  of  my  own  peace  and  the  good  of 
fouls,  to  perfuade  mankind  to  flee  from  the 
wrath  to  come,  upon  thofe  who  die  in  their 
fins. 

If  I  have  been  an  inftrument  in  the  Lord's 
hand  to  do  any  good,  may  the  Lord  have  the 
praife  of  his  own  works,  and  may  no  honour 
be  given  to  the  inftrument ;  for  he  is  pleafed  to 
make  clay  with  fpittle,  and  anoint  the  eyes  of 
the  blind,  and  I  look  upon  myfelf  lefs  than 
that  clay  ;  but  it  was  the  Lord's  power  that 
wrought  the  miracle  of  old,  and  may  he,  faith 
my  foul,  have  the  praife  of  his  :  oh,  that  [ 
may  not  rob  God  of  his  own  glory,  for  he 


(     '37    ) 

will  not  give  his  praife  unto  graven  image?, 
nor  his  honour  unco  another;  may  thy  mind 
therefore  be  turned  unto  him,  who  is  able  to 
forgive  all  thy  fmsr  and  blot  out  all  thy  ini- 
quities ;  he  will  not  only  open  the  eyes  to  fee, 
but  will  heal  all  infirmities  ;  he  will  make  the 
lame  to  walk,  the  dumb  to  fpeak,  heal  the 
lick,  and  raife  the  dead  ; — may  thou  be  truly 
raifed  from  the  dead  works,  to  ferve  the  living 
and  eternal  God.  I  am  very  delirous  that  thou 
rnayeft  be  made  a  ferviceable  man  in  the  Lord's 
hand,  and  do  good  in  his  houfe,  which  will  be 
more  to  thee  in  a  dying  hour  than  all  the  riches 
that  this  world  can  give.  My  very  fpirit 
prayeth  for  thy  welfare  in  the  Lord,  fo  fare- 
wel.  I  remain  thy  well-wilhing  friend, 

P.  R. 


SECOND    LETTER,    FROM    THE   WRITER   OF 
THE    FIRST. 

Dear  Friend, 

BLESSED,  for  ever  bleiTed,  be  that  holy 
Lord  God,  who  inclined  thy  heart  to  write  to 
me  the  mod  unworthy  and  lefs  than  the  leail 
of  all,  and  who  while  reading,  laid  truly  low 
all  lofty  thoughts  and  vain  imaginations,  fweet- 
l.y  inclining  my  (alas !  too  itubborn)  will,  to 
refign  itfelf  like  clay  into  the  hands  of  the  pot-- 
M3 


(     '38     ) 

ter,  to  mould  and  fafhion  me  into  his  OWH 
image  and  likenefs. 

My  fpirit  truly  unites  with  thine,  in  a  man- 
ner which  \vords  cannot  convey — fain  would 
my  will  reft  on  this  fide  Jordan,  fettling  on  my 
lees,  and  reliriquifh  a  work  which  I  am  called 
to,  and  which  thy  mind  hath  been  led  out  con- 
cerning, on  my  account ;  but  now  I  am  again 
revived  and   renewed,    and  my  language  is, 
Here  am  /,  fend  me  :  but  there  are  many  ob- 
itacles  in  my  way;  I  am  no  Quaker  by  pro- 
feffion,  nor  do  I   know  whom  at  prelent  to 
open  my  mind  to,  on  that  fubject ;  I  am  made 
willing  to  part  with  :uiy  thing  and  every  thing, 
in  the  Lord's  ftrength,  for  his  glory  ;  nor  do  I 
count  riches,  acquirements,  friendship,  nor  life 
hfelf,  dear  unto   me,  fo  that  I  may  finifli  my 
courfe  with  joy,  and  the  miniftry  which  I  am 
more  than  perfuaded  I  have  received  of  him. 
Oh!  that  he  would  make  crooked  paths  flraight 
before  me — Oh !  that  he  would  lengthen  my 
cords  and  ftrengthen  my  flakes,  that  he  would 
caufe  me  to  break  out  on   the  right  and  the 
Jeft — Oh!    that   he   would    burft    my    bonds 
aitinder,  and  make  me,  though  only  as  it  were 
clay  and  fpittle,  ufeful — Oh !  that  I  may  be 
wholly  given  up  to  him,  fo  as  to  trufl  in  him 
at  all  times,  and  walk  continually  before  him 
ja  the  light  of  his  reconciled  countenance. 

My  work,  I  clearly  fee,  is  to  thofe  who  are 
at  eafe  in  Zion,  to  thofe  who  hold  the  form 
and  deny  the  power,  to  thofe  who  are  dwel- 


(     '39     ) 

ling  at  eafe  in  their  own  fenced  cities,  in  walled 
towns,  whofe  arguments  are  to  them  as  chariots 
of  iron ;  my  work  will  be  my  wages,  it  will  be 
in  my   mouth  fweet  as  honey,  and  bitter  as 
gall  in    my  belly.      Perfecution  and   peculiar 
trials  will  await  me :  but  in  all  thefe  things  we 
are  more  than  conquerors,  through  him  that 
loveth  us.     Alas !  fuch  is  my  ignorance,  I  am 
fearful  to  proceed,  left  I  darken  counfel  with 
words  without  knowledge.     Go  on,  dear  \vo- 
man,  and  preach  Jefus  Chrift,  the  fame  yefter- 
day,  to-day,  and  forever;  and  fulfil  the  faying, 
that  women  out  of  weaknefs  were  made  ftrong 
in  word,  valiant  in  fight,  and  put  to  flight  the 
armies  of  the  aliens  :  every  battle  of  the  war- 
riors is  with  canfufed  noife,  but  this  fhall  be 
with   the    fharr>   two-edged   fword    of  divine 
power,  and  fpirit  of  burning  :  here  no  human 
faculties  (or  art)  can  prevail,  and  all  human 
wifdom  and  ftrength  muft  fall :  here  the  young 
man  fhall  utterly  faint  and  be  weary,  but  "they 
that  truft  in  the  Lord  fhall  do  valiantly.     May 
all  concerned  wait  for  the  aoife  over  the  mul- 
berry trees,  and   never,  like  Saul,  enter  the 
battle  without  the  fignal ;  but  let  God  arife, 
and  fo   fhall    his    enemies   be   fcattered — the 
people  will  be  as  grafs  before  him,  while  his 
do<ftrine,  like  the  rain  or  like  the  dew,  (hall 
diftil ;    and  they   {hall    fpring  up   with   clear 
fpringings  after  rain. 

But  perhaps  Hhall  write  too  much:  I  feel 
my  fpirit  earneftly  praying  for  thee,  and  the 


(     MO     ) 

fuecefs  of  thy  miniftry  j  oh  !  may  king  Jefus 
go  forth  from  conquering  and  to  conquer,  and 
may  a|l  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  become  the 
kingdoms  of  our  Lord  and  his  Chrift.  Ah  ! 
would  the  Lord  be  pica  fed  to  ufe  fo  unworthy 
a  creature  as  I  am,  he  would  get  all  the  praife ; 
but  all  falls  fhort  to  exalt  his  glories,  and  all 
falls  fliort  to  defcribe  my  nothingnefs,  igno- 
rance, and  depravity — Ah  !  join  me,  reader, 
to  give  him  all  the  glory  as  our  ALL  IN  ALL. 
Keep  filence  before  him,  O  my  foul,  in  thy 
primitive  nothingnefs,  dud  ;  and  be  ihou  ex- 
alted, O  my  Redeemer,  in  all  men's  hearts, 
far  above  all  bleffings  and  praife> 

Dear  friend,  'tis  true  all  our  enemies  are 
forgiven,  and  eafily  fo,  when  we  can  fay  ex- 
perimentally, My  beloved  is  mine,  and  I  am  his: 
he  feeds  among  the  lilies  of  the  valley,  thofe 
\vho  are  truly  humble  and  contrite,  who  when 
laden  with  dew  put  down  their  heads  as  over- 
whelmed with  love  and  gratitude,  and  whofe 
amiable  walking  makes  them  white  and  beau- 
tiful :  here  is  fweet  contentment  and  reft;  bread 
ihall  be  given  fuch,  and  their  water  fhall  be 
fure — having  food  and  raiment,  fuch  are  di- 
vinely content,  fuch  as  are  below  pride,  and 
above  want — Oh,  happy,  happy  heavenly  ex- 
perience ;  blcffed  are  they  who  are  in  fuch  a 
ftate;  yea  blefled  are  the  people  whofe  God  is 
the  Lord. 

From  hence,  farewel  prejudice  to  real 
friends — Farewel,  Jove  of  the  world— Fare- 


wel,  trull  in  vain  imagination — Oh !  that  I 
could  fay  to  that  many-headed  monfter,  felf, 
1'arcwcl  too ;  but  ibine  Canaanites  of  that  kind 
will  perhaps  remain,  like  the  leprofy  in  the 
walls  ©f  the  houfe,  to  try  us  and  to  prove  us, 
that  we  may  fight  in  the  Lord's  ftrength,  and 
drive  them  from  their  ftrong  holds.  To  him 
who  hath  made  thee  as  my  fifter,  that  fucked 
the  breafls  of  my  mother,  be  all  glory  now  and 
for  ever. 


LETTER  TO  A  FRIEND. 

Gloucejler,  Old-England,  loth  of  pth  mo.  1786, 

To  D.  S.  Swanfcy,  New-England. 

Beloved  Friend, 

I  LONG  to  fee  the  time  come  that  I  may 
be  clear  of  this  land  ;  but  I  defire  patiently  to 
wait  the  Lord's  time,  for  I  am  fo  dry  and 
barren,  that  it  feems  as  if  I  could  do  no  good: 
my  baptifms  have  been  greater  than  my  tongue 
can  exprefs ;  yet  the  Lord  my  God  has  borne 
me  up,  and  enabled  me  to  ftep  along  in  fear 
and  trembling,  and  has  been  my  meat  and  my 
drink.  The  inward  cry  of  my  heart  has  been, 
that  I  may  be  kept  from  doing  any  thing  that 
would  caufe  the  truth  to  be  evily  fpoken  of. 

Oh,  my  dear,  I  trufl  thou  canft  read  and 
tafte  with  me,  for  I  believe  we  have  been 
dipped  into  the  fame  river  ;  fo  that  we  have 


felt  the  breathings  of  each  other,  when  far 
feparated  one  from  another. 

I  believe  the  Lord  is  about  to  {hake  the 
dry  bones  in  the  valley,  and  bring  them  toge- 
ther, bone  to  its  bone,  and  breathe  the  breath 
of  life  on  thera.v 

There  are  many  of  the  youth  of  this  land, 
who  look  promiiing ;  but  it  is  hard  to  aroufe 
thofe  who  are  at  eafe,  which  makes  hard  work 
for  faithful  labourers,  who  long  to  fee.  all  un- 
due liberties  removed.  I  find  the  fcattered 
up  and  down  as  I  travel  along,  that  groan  to 
be  delivered ;  and  I  have  been  made  glad  to 
fit  and  feel  with  them  here,  as  I  often  did  feel 
with  the  lonely,  when  at  home. 

It  has  been  a  comfort  to  me,  that  the  Father 
of  all  fure  mercies  puts  us  in  mind  of  each 
other,  with  ftrong  defires  for  the  prefer vation 
of  his  breathing  feed  ;  they  are  made  near  to 
my  life  all  the  world  over  ;  and  I  truft  the  good 
Shepherd  will  gather  many  from  the  barren 
mountains  and  defolated  hills  of  an  empty  pro* 
feflion,  unto  himfelf. 

I  do  remember  the  many  pleafant  feafons  we 
have  had  together,  and  indeed  with  all  my 
friends  there ;  how  our  fpirits  have  been  re- 
frefhed  together  in  love,  and  the  bleflcd 
f bowers  have  defcended,  to  the  watering  of 
the  very  bindmofl  of  the  flock  and  family. 
Thofe  times  are  brought  freih  to  my  remem- 
brance while  I  am  writing  ;  but  oh,  the  {trip- 
ping feafons  I  often  feel  j  however,  my  Lord 


(     '43     ) 

and  Matter  works  for  me,  and  enables   me  to 
t        '      :"    v/l          Mo  many  times  revived  my 
.i:.t  I  may  call  him  a  good 
neve  that  in  his  time  the  lily  of 
will  bud  and  blpffom  as  the  rofe,  to 
brin^  about   his  glorious  purpofe,  to  raife  the 
low  and  call  down  the  exalted  ;  that  they  may 
know  that  the  Mod  High  rules  in   the  domi- 
nions of  men. 

In  love,  I  conclude  thy  affe&ionate  friend, 
PATIENCE  BRAYTON. 


To  HER.  DAUGHTER. 

NAMPTWICH,  Old  England, 

25th  of  2il  mo.  1785. 
Dear  Child^      , 

HANNAH  BRAYTON, 

I  have  had  thee  in  my  mind  for  many  days, 
with  frefli  remembrance  what  a  dutiful  child 
thou  haft  been  in  the  outward  concerns  of  life. 
O  my  dear,  I  truft  there  is  a  bleiTmg  for  thee 
in  (lore,  and  I  hope  thou  wilt  labour  for  that 
bleffing  that  fadeth  not  away;  that  the  dew  of 
heaven  may  reft  upon  thee  in  all  thy  under- 
takings; and  if  the  Lord  becomes  thy  director, 
thou  wilt  be  dire&ed  aright,  both  in  divine  and 
outward  tilings.  O,  my  dear,  I  Jong  to  be 
more  and  more  given  up  to  the  Lord's  re- 
quirings,  whether  I  ever  fee  thee  more  or  not  j 


although  thou  feeleft  nearer  to  me  than  I  can 
relate  with  pen ;  the  favours  of  heaven  I  feel  fo 
near  at  times,  furmounts  all  other  confidera- 
tions ;  when  that  abates  I  long  to  fee  thee 
again,  but  I  hope  to  more  and  more  learn 
patience,  in  all  my  fteppings  along  in  this  life, 
for  I  fee  the  want  of  it  more  now  than  ever, 
in  order  to  keep  me  low  and  humble  :  if  I  am 
exalted  at  any  of  thefe  favours,  then  I  ihali  be 
in  great  danger — I  am  ready  to  tremble,  feeing 
the  work  fo  great.  Oh,  my  dear  child,  though 
nature  brings  thee  into  my  mind  with  nearnefs, 
yet  believing  there  is  one  rich  icwarder  to  them 
that  hold  out  to  the  end,  fo,  my  dear,  be  kind 
to  the  popr,  and  defire  the  Lord  to  open  thine 
tar  to  their  cry, 'ami  tender  thy  heart  towards 
them  ;  for  thofe  that  do  not  hear  the  cry  of 
thofe  that  (land  in  need,  may  cry  themfclves, 
a-nd  not  be  heard. 

I  remain  thy  afft&ionate  mother, 

PATIENCE  BRAYTON. 


FINIS. 


LW,  Phillips,  Printer.] 


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